In a strategic move ahead of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 seasonDelhi Capitals (DC) announced the signing of Australian leg spinner alana king As a replacement for the all-rounder Annabel SutherlandWho have withdrawn their names due to personal reasons. The JSW-GMR co-owned franchise recently confirmed the development, signaling a notable tactical shift just days ahead of the new season.
Perennial finalists in all three editions of the WPL so far, Delhi Capitals are once again shaping their squad with the clear aim of going a step further and winning their maiden title.
Excitement increases as Alana King joins Delhi Brigade
The announcement sparked immediate excitement in the Capitals camp. team captain jemima rodrigues welcomed Alana with an enthusiastic social media post, highlighting her big tournament pedigree and recent form. The official handle of the franchise also followed suit, unveiling a vibrant graphic of Alana in Delhi Capitals colors, skateboarding through graffiti-laden scenes, symbolizing her dynamic personality on the field. caption, “Queen of Delhi,” Fans soon joined in.
Hashtags such as #DilliKiQueen and #AlanaKingDC began trending, reflecting the buzz surrounding the signing and the expectations surrounding King’s role in the upcoming season.
Annabel Sutherland’s exit forces strategic pivot
Annabel Sutherland’s departure is a big loss for Delhi Capitals. The 23-year-old Australian all-rounder has been a vital part of the team over the past two seasons, offering fast bowling options and late batting. Retained for ₹2.2 crore before the auction, Sutherland’s unavailability forced the franchise to rethink its balance.
Instead of looking for a similar seam-bowling all-rounder, Delhi opted to strengthen their spin department. alana king Coming in at a reserve price of ₹60 lakh, it represents a clear shift in strategy from seam-heavy depth to spin variations – an approach that could prove decisive on Indian surfaces.
Alana King’s credentials and experience in Indian conditions
Now 30, King brings an impressive resume to the Capitals. She became famous globally after taking 7 wickets for 18 runs against South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup, one of the finest bowling performances in the history of the tournament. In 27 T20Is, King has taken 27 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.58, underscoring his control and wicket-taking ability.
Her recent Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) campaign with the Perth Scorchers further demonstrated her importance, as she took 12 wickets in 13 matches and helped the Scorchers reach the final as runners-up. Although she went unsold in the WPL 2026 auction, Alana is no stranger to Indian conditions, having previously played in a match for UP Warriors last season.
Also read: Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland withdraw from WPL 2026 due to personal reasons
Delhi Capitals are waiting for the clash with Mumbai Indians and first WPL title
Delhi Capitals will begin their WPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the DY Patil Stadium on January 10, a match that brings back memories of previous final heartbreaks. Alana’s arrival could prove crucial on the spin-friendly track as Delhi look to once again seek the elusive title after finishing runners-up thrice.
As other franchises also adjust their squads, the Capitals appear spin-rich, energetic and hungry. With Alana’s blend of talent and experience, Delhi’s quest for WPL glory in 2026 looks more attractive than ever.
Also read: 3 reasons why Gujarat Giants will excel under Ashley Gardner in WPL 2026
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
