Mumbai: Ahead of the TATA WPL Season 2026, JioHotstar’s show ‘TATA WPL: Curtain Raiser’ brought fans closer to the stories, insights, and expectations of some of the tournament’s leading players. The segment featured interviews with Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues, Gujarat Giants skipper Ashleigh Gardner, and UP Warriorz leader Meg Lanning, offering an inside look at leadership transitions, team dynamics, and personal excitement for the new season.
Jemimah Rodrigues on Leading Delhi Capitals
Stepping into the captaincy role at Delhi Capitals, Rodrigues reflected on taking over from Meg Lanning:
“Meeting Meg and seeing her in the UP Warriorz jersey felt a little surreal. Her impact on Delhi Capitals—the standards she set, the culture she built—was huge. I learned so much from her and even picked her brain about captaincy. This new role is exciting and a bit nerve-wracking because it’s new, but I’ve led my domestic side before and love the responsibility. Leadership brings out the best in you.”
Rodrigues emphasized her commitment to the team and building on the strong foundation left by Lanning:
“My message to Delhi Capitals is simple. We’ve played amazing cricket and have an incredible support staff. We just need to keep working hard and doing the right things, and I know results will follow. That is the energy we’re bringing into this season.”
Ashleigh Gardner on Leading Gujarat Giants and Indian Women’s Cricket
Returning as captain of Gujarat Giants, Gardner expressed her admiration for Indian cricket and her excitement to lead the franchise again:
“There’s always extra motivation to beat teams with Indian captains. I’ve been following the media coverage about the World Cup, and the biggest takeaway was that India’s win almost felt scripted—lifting the trophy on home soil. Experiencing those emotions firsthand was incredible, and I can only imagine what it meant for these players. Coming back to play franchise cricket in India after a disappointing season last time is very special, and I’m thrilled to lead Gujarat again.”
Gardner also highlighted the quality of competition in the WPL and her personal drive to bring out the best in her team:
“It’s one of the best competitions in the world. Being able to come back and lead this team again is exciting, and I can’t wait for the tournament to start.”
Meg Lanning on New Challenges with UP Warriorz
Meg Lanning, now captaining UP Warriorz, shared her excitement about leading a new squad and working with familiar teammates like Deepti Sharma:
“I’m really excited to work with Deepti. I’ve played with her before, and she’s always in excellent form. Having her on board is a big advantage as I get to understand the team and how things work. This is a new opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to learning from the squad and staff while putting my own spin on things.”
Lanning also spoke about the challenge of building chemistry with a new team:
“I’ve loved my time at Delhi Capitals, but this is a fresh challenge personally. I don’t know all the players or staff yet, so getting used to how things operate and helping everyone perform at their best will be key. I’m super excited about the opportunity and eager to get started with the first game.”
Looking Ahead to WPL Season 2026
With these leadership changes and renewed ambitions, the upcoming TATA WPL Season promises high-quality cricket and intense competition. Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz will all look to make a statement under their new and returning captains. Fans can catch live action, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive insights on JioHotstar, making it one of the most exciting women’s cricket seasons to date.
