WPL 2026: RCB Appoint England World Cup Winner as Bowling Coach

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, former champions of the Women’s Premier League , have appointed Anya Shrubsole, the England pacer who won the 2017 World Cup, as their new bowling coach for the upcoming season.

Anya Shrubsole Named RCB Women’s Bowling Coach Ahead of WPL 2026

RCB Women won the second season of the WPL under Smriti Mandhana Captaincy, but could not defend their title the next year, which was claimed by the Mumbai Indians Women. The Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, also won the first and third seasons. Harmanpreet had also led India to its first ICC Women’s World Cup title in 2025.

Talking about Shrubsole, RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan said: “Anya has a lot of experience and leadership. She will guide our bowlers and play an important role in planning. I am sure she will fit in quickly and make a big difference both on and off the field."

Shrubsole will work closely with the RCB management to build the best squad for the season. The team will pick new players at the mega-auction in November.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

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 Tata WPL 🤩

Anya’s rich… pic.twitter.com/jIbtp42tuR

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 9, 2025

RCB have kept some of their top Indian players and only one overseas star. They have invested heavily in wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh, who Rangarajan said: “Her ability to stay calm under pressure and take smart risks is exactly what we need in our batting. We also see her as a future leader for the team.”

So far, RCB have retained four players for the upcoming season: Smriti Mandhana for ₹3.5 crore, Richa Ghosh for ₹2.5 crore, Ellyse Perry for ₹2 crore, and Shreyanka Patil for ₹60 lakh. With these retentions, the team has already spent ₹8.85 crore, leaving ₹6.15 crore in their purse. They also have an RTM option, which will allow them to strengthen their squad further at the upcoming auction.

ALSO SEE: Ravindra Jadeja–Sanju Samson Trade: CSK–RR Negotiations Enter Critical Stage