WPL 2026 Retention: The Delhi Capitals have decided to let go of their long-time skipper Meg Lanning as one of the major releases this season’s Women’s Premier League 2026 retention announces a blow.
The Australian legend, who spearheaded the franchise into the finals in all three editions of the tournament so far, will not be part of the Delhi setup anymore – a shock decision that has already sent ripples across the cricketing fraternity.
Meg Lanning’s Exit: End Of An Era For Delhi Capitals?
Lanning’s exit signals a new beginning for the Delhi Capitals. The veteran batter had been the backbone of DC’s batting and leadership unit since the league’s inception, guiding a young team with composure and tactical sharpness. Under her captaincy, Delhi consistently made the finals, showcasing both stability and flair.
Still, the decision to release her ahead of the 2026 season hints at a rebuilding phase, one that may signal a shift to promoting Indian youth and newer overseas combinations.
Delhi Capitals Retain Their Young Indian Core
While offloading some of the big names, Delhi Capitals have still retained a promising core group of Indian and overseas players, who could well form the nucleus of their 2026 campaign.
Retained players include two of India’s most dynamic batters: Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma. Their partnership at the top has been responsible for many explosive starts that Delhi has got, while Rodrigues’ adaptability in the middle order adds stability.
South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp still holds one of the key retentions, continuing in her role as Delhi’s pace spearhead and lower-order enforcer. Australian star Annabel Sutherland, who impressed with both bat and ball in her debut season, has also been retained.
The promising young all-rounder Niki Prasad completes the list, signaling the intent of Delhi to balance experience with emerging talent.
Major Exits: Lanning Leads A Star-Studded Release List
The list of released players for Delhi is just as star-studded, with as many big-ticket names going back into the auction pool. Along with Meg Lanning, the franchise has let go of Alice Capsey, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, and Jess Jonassen who were all integral to Delhi’s campaigns in the past few seasons.
Other seasoned Indian players to be let go include Arundhati Reddy, Minnu Mani, Sneha Deepthi, Taniya Bhatia and Titas Sadhu, with N Charani, Nandini Kashyap, and Sarah Bryce also being released.
This could well mean that Delhi Capitals is looking to overhaul the leadership setup and redefine their batting and bowling departments ahead of WPL 2026.
WPL 2026: Full List Of Retained & Released Players By Delhi Capitals
Retained Players: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, Niki Prasad
Released Players: Meg Lanning, Alice Capsey, Arundhati Reddy, Jess Jonassen, Minnu Mani, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Sneha Deepthi, Taniya Bhatia, Titas Sadhu, N Charani, Nandini Kashyap, Sarah Bryce
