Retained players

Jemimah Rodrigues
India · Top-order batter
Classy stroke-maker and one of India’s most reliable top-order options. Provides control in powerplay and the ability to accelerate — essential for DC's batting stability.
Shafali Verma
India · Explosive opener
Raw power and aggressive intent at the top. Shafali’s ability to take pace off the ball early creates momentum and forces opponents to alter plans.
Marizanne Kapp
South Africa · All-rounder
Powerful all-round option — seam and useful variations with the ball plus a middle-order bat who can steer or accelerate. Adds balance and match control in crunch moments.
Annabel Sutherland
Australia · All-rounder
Young, athletic all-rounder combining pace/variation and powerful batting. Her inclusion gives DC flexibility in XI construction and pairing pace options with spin combinations.
Niki Prasad
India · Specialist (role)
Domestic talent retained for squad balance — provides depth and local conditions understanding, enabling the team to rotate without compromising core strengths.
Tactical snapshot
Delhi’s retention blends explosive Indian openers with two reliable all-round overseas options — emphasis on flexibility and ability to field multiple XI shapes. The release of Meg Lanning signals a decisive tactical reset.

Quick talking points

  • Top-order priority: With Shafali and Jemimah retained, DC locks two aggressive openers who can dominate powerplays.
  • All-round depth: Kapp and Sutherland give balance — both expected to bowl and bat in crucial overs.
  • Leadership change: Releasing a high-profile leader like Meg Lanning points to a cultural refresh and possible strategic shift at auction.