Has RCB Appointed Anya Shrubsole as Assistant Coach for WPL 2026?
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Synopsis
In an exciting development for cricket fans, RCB has appointed Anya Shrubsole, the former England star and 2017 World Cup winner, as their assistant coach for the 2026 Women’s Premier League. This marks a significant step as RCB looks to enhance its coaching team and build on past successes.
Key Takeaways
- Anya Shrubsole joins RCB as assistant coach for WPL 2026.
- She is a 2017 World Cup winner and has over 200 wickets.
- RCB aims to strengthen its coaching team following Luke Williams' departure.
- Key players Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry retained for the upcoming season.
- RCB has Rs. 6.15 crore budget for the mega auction.
New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has officially announced the inclusion of former England cricketer Anya Shrubsole in their coaching team, as the 2017 World Cup champion steps into the role of assistant coach for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Shrubsole, who was part of the England squad that claimed the ODI World Cup title, will be making her debut with RCB, collaborating with Malolan Rangarajan, who has been elevated to head coach for the new season.
This transition follows the departure of Luke Williams, RCB’s head coach for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, who is unable to continue due to his obligations with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL).
“A proven champion, now stepping up to guide our girls. Join us in welcoming Anya Shrubsole - former England pacer, 2017 Women’s World Cup winner and Player of the Match in the final - as RCB’s Assistant Coach in the WPL. Anya’s extensive experience and champion mentality will propel RCB’s #PlayBold philosophy forward,” the franchise declared on X.
Shrubsole, who concluded her international career in 2022 with over 200 wickets across all formats, has since dedicated herself to coaching. Previously, she worked as a player-assistant coach under Charlotte Edwards at the Southern Vipers in the English domestic circuit.
This role with RCB will be her inaugural coaching experience in the WPL, taking over from Sunetra Paranjape, the former bowling coach who served until 2025.
Earlier this week, RCB also confirmed the retention of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, and Shreyanka Patil ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction.
Mandhana, who captained RCB to victory in WPL 2024, continues as captain and was retained for ₹3.5 crore. Wicket-keeper batter Ghosh, who is rising through the ranks, re-signed with the franchise for ₹2.75 crore.
Perry, regarded as one of the sport's legends, remains with RCB for ₹2 crore. Spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil, who earned the Purple Cap in WPL 2024 but was sidelined last season due to injury, has been retained for ₹60 lakh.
The total retentions amount to ₹8.85 crore, leaving RCB with ₹6.15 crore for the mega auction, plus one ‘Right To Match’ card for an uncapped player.
Point of View
We recognize RCB's strategic move in appointing Anya Shrubsole, a distinguished player turned coach. This decision exemplifies a commitment to enhance team performance in the WPL. RCB's focus on integrating experienced professionals indicates a forward-thinking approach to women's cricket, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant on the global stage.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anya Shrubsole?
Anya Shrubsole is a former England cricketer and a 2017 Women’s World Cup winner, renowned for her contributions as a fast bowler.
What will Anya Shrubsole's role be with RCB?
Anya Shrubsole has been appointed as the assistant coach for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the 2026 Women’s Premier League.
Why did Luke Williams leave RCB?
Luke Williams stepped down as head coach due to his commitments with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.
What is RCB's strategy for WPL 2026?
RCB aims to build a stronger team by retaining key players and enhancing their coaching staff with experienced professionals like Anya Shrubsole.
How much did RCB spend on player retentions?
RCB's total player retention cost amounts to ₹8.85 crore for the upcoming WPL 2026 season.
