WPL 2026: 'I couldn't ask for anything better' - Jemimah proud of DC unit despite fourth final hearbreak

Delhi Capitals’ wait for a maiden Women’s Premier League title continued on Thursday as they suffered defeat in their fourth final across four seasons.

Despite putting up a competitive 203 for 4 in the summit clash with the captain Jemimah Rodrigues leading the charge with a fluent 57 off 37 balls and late fireworks from Chinelle Henry who scored 35 off 15 deliveries, DC-W were outplayed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, who completed the chase with two balls to spare in a high-quality final on the back of a commanding knock from RCB-W captain Smriti Mandhana, who scored 87 off 41 deliveries, accompanied by Georgia Voll's 79 off 54 deliveries. 

The Capitals skipper chose to focus on the resilience and character that the side displayed across a demanding campaign rather than the disappointment of another final loss.

“I think I couldn't be more proud of this team. It wasn't easy for us, but the kind of character our girls showed for us to just make it to the finals is something I'm so proud of. And, you know, I couldn't ask for anything better. They're a great bunch of girls,” Jemimah said in the post match presentation.

She then turned attention to the wider group effort that sustained DC through the season, highlighting the importance of a strong off-field structure. She also took a moment to acknowledge the unwavering backing from the stands and the franchise’s global fanbase.

“Not just that, but especially our support staff has worked tirelessly after us, making sure our environment's great. And not just that, even our logistics and every single person. You can see the DC fans there screaming, shouting every time. And yeah, all our DC fans all over the world. Thank you so much,” the 25-year-old added.

Assessing the total DC posted in the final, Rodrigues remained firm that the team had done enough with the bat on the night.

“I think 204 in a final is always a great score. Hats off to the way we played as a team. I think we've been great. You know, if ever you wanted our team to fire and click, it was today. And I think we did that really well,” the captain noted.

"Players did more than we could have asked for"

While acknowledging that no performance is without flaws, she stressed that commitment and effort defined DC’s showing. Looking back on the season as a whole, Rodrigues pointed to Delhi’s ability to regroup after setbacks and the emergence of depth across the squad. She also singled out several younger players for exceeding expectations throughout the campaign.

“There's always, 'Okay, we could have done this better, that better.' But I think everyone fought hard. Everyone gave their all. And sometimes that's all, all that's important. I think the assessment has been great. It's easier if we start a tournament off well, but to pick ourselves up, even if it's a senior player or even if someone like Niki and Rana, the way they batted that day was phenomenal. They just showed that, what kind of depth is there in Indian cricket,” she reflected.

“And at the same time, Nandani Sharma, she's been great. She honestly did more than what we asked her to do. And I'm so proud of her. Even Minnu, even Minnu for the way she's fielded, the way she showed up,” Rodrigues said.

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Rodrigues concluded by underlining the value of experience and learning gained through another deep run in the tournament.

“So it's been a great bunch of girls, the experience coming in and as well as, you know, the youngsters learning. I think it's been great,” she concluded.