In a strategic transfer forward of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season, Delhi Capitals (DC) introduced the signing of Australian leg-spinner Alana King as a substitute for all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who has withdrawn attributable to private causes. The JSW-GMR co-owned franchise just lately confirmed the event, signaling a notable tactical shift simply few days earlier than the brand new season.
Perennial finalists in all three editions of the WPL to this point, Delhi Capitals are as soon as once more shaping their squad with the clear goal of going one step additional and lifting their first title.
Pleasure builds as Alana King joins Delhi brigade
The announcement sparked fast pleasure inside the Capitals camp. Crew captain Jemimah Rodrigues welcomed Alana with an enthusiastic social media put up, highlighting her big-tournament pedigree and up to date type. The franchise’s official deal with adopted go well with, unveiling a vibrant graphic of Alana in Delhi Capitals colors, skateboarding via graffiti-laced visuals that symbolised her dynamic on-field character. The caption, “Dilli ki Queen,” shortly caught on with followers.
Hashtags corresponding to #DilliKiQueen and #AlanaKingDC started trending, reflecting the excitement across the signing and the expectations surrounding King’s position within the upcoming season.
Annabel Sutherland exit forces tactical pivot
Annabel Sutherland’s withdrawal is a big loss for Delhi Capitals. The 23-year-old Australian all-rounder had been an vital a part of the squad over the previous two seasons, providing tempo bowling choices and late-order hitting. Retained for ₹2.2 crore forward of the public sale, Sutherland’s unavailability compelled the franchise to rethink its stability.
Fairly than in search of a like-for-like seam-bowling all-rounder, Delhi opted to strengthen their spin division. Alana King is available in at a reserve worth of ₹60 lakh, representing a transparent shift in technique from seam-heavy depth to spin selection – an strategy that might show decisive on Indian surfaces.
Alana King’s credentials and expertise in Indian situations
Now 30, King brings a formidable resume to the Capitals. She rose to international prominence with a sensational spell of seven for 18 in opposition to South Africa on the Girls’s Cricket World Cup, one of many most interesting bowling performances in event historical past. Throughout 27 T20Is, King has claimed 27 wickets at an financial system charge of simply 6.58, underlining her management and wicket-taking capacity.
Her current Girls’s Huge Bash League (WBBL) marketing campaign with Perth Scorchers additional showcased her worth, as she picked up 12 wickets in 13 matches and helped the Scorchers attain the ultimate as runners-up. Though she went unsold on the WPL 2026 public sale, Alana isn’t any stranger to Indian situations, having beforehand featured in a single match for UP Warriorz final season.
Additionally READ: Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland pull out of WPL 2026 due to personal reasons
Delhi Capitals trying ahead to Mumbai Indians conflict and maiden WPL title
Delhi Capitals will start their WPL 2026 marketing campaign in opposition to Mumbai Indians (MI) on January 10 on the DY Patil Stadium, a fixture that revisits reminiscences of previous closing heartbreaks. Alana’s arrival may show pivotal on spin-friendly tracks as Delhi as soon as once more chase the elusive title after three runner-up finishes.
As different franchises additionally alter their squads, the Capitals seem spin-enriched, energized, and hungry. With Alana’s aptitude and expertise added to the combination, Delhi’s quest for WPL glory in 2026 seems extra compelling than ever.
Additionally READ: 3 reasons why Gujarat Giants will excel under the leadership of Ashleigh Gardner in WPL 2026
This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
