Delhi Capitals suffer major blow as two key players ruled out of WPL 2026

Delhi Capitals suffer major blow [Source: X.com]

Delhi Capitals (DC) have suffered a significant blow midway through their Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) campaign, as two of their players, Deeya Yadav and Mamatha Madiwala, have been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injuries.

This double setback has come at a crucial stage of the season, thereby forcing the franchise to quickly look for suitable replacements to maintain squad balance and competitiveness.

Deeya Yadav and Mamatha Madiwala ruled out

The absence of Deeya Yadav is particularly noteworthy. The young prodigy recently etched her name into the history books by becoming the youngest-ever player to debut in the WPL. 

At just 16 years and 103 days, Deeya featured in DC’s playing XI against Mumbai Indians in Vadodara. Although she did not get a chance to bat or bowl in that match, her selection itself was seen as a major milestone for women’s cricket. 

Unfortunately, Deeya’s injury has now cut short what could have been a promising maiden WPL season.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Mamatha Madiwala was yet to make her WPL debut for Delhi Capitals. Nevertheless, her unavailability further reduces the team’s options, especially in terms of squad depth. 

Together, the injuries have added pressure on a side that is already dealing with multiple challenges this season.

Pragati Singh and E Srujana Named as replacements

In response to these setbacks, Delhi Capitals have announced 22-year-old all-rounder Pragati Singh and 20-year-old fast bowler E Srujana as replacements. Both players have been signed at their base price of INR 10 lakh and have already joined the squad.

Pragati Singh arrives with impressive domestic credentials. Representing Punjab in the domestic circuit, she has established herself as a dependable middle-order batter who can also contribute with the ball. 

During the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, Pragati emerged as Punjab’s second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 143 runs at a healthy strike rate of 105.14. In addition, she showcased her bowling skills in the one-day domestic competition last year, where she picked up eight wickets. 

E Srujana’s familiarity with the Delhi Capitals

E Srujana, on the other hand, is not an unfamiliar name within the Delhi Capitals setup. The Hyderabad seamer has previously been associated with the franchise as a net bowler, which means she already understands the team environment and expectations. 

Moreover, she has been steadily progressing through the ranks, having represented Hyderabad at the age-group level before making her senior domestic debut in the 2023–24 season. As a result, DC will be hoping that her familiarity with the squad helps her settle in quickly.

These latest injuries compound DC’s troubles, as the team had already lost the services of Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland before the tournament began. It is important to note that Sutherland opted out of the season for personal reasons, leaving a significant gap in the lineup. 

Currently, Delhi Capitals sit fourth in the points table, having secured two wins while suffering three defeats.

With the tournament entering a decisive phase, DC will be eager for their new recruits to make an immediate impact. The Jemimah Rodrigues’ DC next faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday evening.