Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced former England pacer Anya Shrubsole as their new bowling coach ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. The upcoming fourth edition of the WPL is set to begin on January 8, 2026, and continue until the end of February. This will mark Shrubsole’s first coaching role in the league after she retired from international cricket in 2022.
RCB Restructure Coaching Team for WPL 2026
According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, Shrubsole’s inclusion is part of RCB’s plan to strengthen their coaching setup ahead of the new season. However, the team will miss head coach Luke Williams, who will be unavailable due to his commitments with Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Because the WPL schedule overlaps with the BBL, RCB’s long-time staff member Malolan Rangarajan will step up as head coach for the 2026 season. Rangarajan has been associated with the franchise since the first edition of the WPL and brings strong familiarity with the team’s system.
RCB Support Staff for WPL 2026
- Malolan Rangarajan: Head Coach
- Anya Shrubsole: Bowling Coach
- R Muralidhar: Batting Coach
- Navnita Gautam: Head Physio
Shrubsole’s addition brings international experience and tactical depth to RCB’s bowling unit. As one of England’s most successful fast bowlers, her understanding of game strategy and her ability to mentor young bowlers could be a key asset for the Bengaluru-based side.
Retentions and WPL 2026 Mega Auction
The report also mentioned that RCB have almost finalized their player retentions ahead of the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, which will take place in November 2025. Current captain Smriti Mandhana remains the top priority for the franchise.
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RCB are also expected to retain star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, spinner Sophie Molineux, and young talent Shreyanka Patil as part of their core group. Each WPL franchise can retain a maximum of five players, either directly or through the Right to Match (RTM) option.
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