New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Delhi Capitals are set to confront their past failures as they aim to conquer their title drought in the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara this Thursday. Former fielding coach Milap Mewada is optimistic that the team will finally secure their first championship.

Since the inception of the WPL in 2023, DC has reached the finals four times but has yet to clinch the trophy, a pressure that now rests on the shoulders of Jemimah Rodrigues, who is leading the team for the first time.

DC's journey to this year's final was tumultuous; after losing three out of their first four matches, they regrouped in Vadodara, winning four of their last five games to secure a third-place finish in the league. They then eliminated Gujarat Giants in the eliminator, suggesting they are hitting their stride at a crucial moment.

“The mind tends to dwell on past failures. To overcome this, positivity is key. Each day is a new opportunity, and a game of cricket,” Mewada stated. “They need to devise a solid game plan and make informed decisions. The final will be held at a new venue, and the primary task for DC is to trust in their abilities and momentum,” he added, keeping tabs on DC’s journey while also coaching the Goa senior men's team.

DC has excelled in the tournament as the top fielding side, boasting an impressive catching percentage of 83.6%. According to data from CricViz, they held 41 chances, dropping only eight across nine matches, significantly outpacing RCB's 79%.

While their bowling started slow, it has gained momentum as the season has progressed. Four DC bowlers are among the top 10 wicket-takers, including standout performances from young pacer Nandni Sharma (16 wickets) and left-arm spinner N Sree Charani (14 wickets).

“DC has demonstrated superior fielding performance throughout the league. They adjusted well to Vadodara's lower-scoring pitch early on. Jemimah’s captaincy has improved over the season,” analysts from CricViz commented.

Mewada, who was part of the team during their loss to Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2025 final, shared his insights ahead of the crucial match at the BCA Stadium: “They must not dwell on being four-time finalists without a win. Such consistency indicates their capability. They need to manage their mindset during the game, making wise decisions and remaining calm to seize the trophy this time.”

As per analysts, the success of DC in the final against Smriti Mandhana-led RCB will heavily rely on the opening partnership of Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee, particularly against in-form pacer Lauren Bell. This explosive duo has produced three 50-plus stands (all resulting in wins) in nine innings, marking them as the most effective opening pair this season.

“From my first sighting of Lizelle Lee in the WPL, I recognized her natural fit for opening in white-ball cricket. DC’s strategy should ensure that Lizelle and Shafali bat for an extended period. If they can set a strong foundation, especially in a chase, it can lead to victory,” Mewada noted.

Jemimah's leadership has evolved throughout the tournament, as she adjusted her batting style. Following a narrow loss to GG, DC’s campaign seemed shaky. However, in the Eliminator, Jemimah’s enthusiastic support for her bowlers, combined with her impactful batting, reinvigorated the team. Historically, the winner of the Eliminator has gone on to claim the WPL championship.

“I’ve observed her decision-making improving. She should minimize risky shots and focus on situational batting. A higher strike rate this year signals her development as both a cricketer and a leader. If they can forget past disappointments and focus on this moment, the trophy can be theirs,” Mewada concluded.