The inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) competition kicks off on the weekend, which is the women’s equivalent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is set to revolutionise the women’s game in much the same way.

In the lead up to the tournament, Rookie Me Central will take a deep dive into each of the team’s individually and take a look at who is a part of their respective inaugural sides.  

In today’s inaugural preview, we take a look at the Delhi Capitals.

With its international player choices, Delhi has mostly targeted all rounders, but has got some powerful batters and bowlers. There are three Aussies, one Englishwoman and a South African in the inaugural Capitals line-up.

Marizanne Kapp and Alice Capsey will have to quickly put the disappointment of how their World Cups ended for their teams and bring their world renowned with the bat and ball to the Capitals.

Speaking of the World Cup, Meg Lanning and Jess Jonassen were both a member of the successful Aussie side, and their records at international level speak for themselves so they will both be huge parts of this Capitals side.

Of the Capitals’ international contingent Laura Harris was the only one to not go to the World Cup, but the Aussie sure has the batting explosive capabilities to justify a spot in the tournament.

Among the Indian contingent in the inaugural Delhi side is some of the strongest batters in the current Indian national side. Both Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma had big World Cup tournaments, with Verma captaining the victorious Under 19 side before backing up to play the senior one as well, and will both be keen to continue that form into the WPL.

Unlike any of the other teams, Delhi decided to pick someone from an ICC Associate member country in its team, with American Tara Norris beating out much more well known faces for a lucrative contract in the inaugural competition. Norris normally plies her trade in England, playing with the Southern Vipers and was the Vipers’ second highest wicket taker in their push to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2020.

Alongside tall that talent in the line-up, the Capitals have got a coach that can match any of his star players for global experience.

Delhi’s inaugural coach is none other than former England star Jonathan Batty, who brings domestic coaching experience from in both England and Australia to his new role at the Capitals.

Delhi Capitals 2023 Squad

Jess Jonassen (AUS), Laura Harris (AUS), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Meg Lanning (AUS), Alice Capsey (ENG), Tara Norris (USA), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Minnu Mani, Poonam Yadav, Sneha Deepthi, Taniyaa Bhatia, Titas Sadhu, Jasia Akhter, Aparna Mondal

Delhi Capitals 2023 Fixture (All times AEDT)

March 5 – 9pm – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Capitals

March 8 – 1am – Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz

March 10 – 1am – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians

March 12 – 1am – Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals

March 14 – 1am – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

March 17 – 1am – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants

March 21 – 1am – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals

March 22 – 1am – UP Warrioz vs Delhi Capitals