World Cup Hero Anya Shrubsole Set to Boost RCB Women as Bowling Coach for WPL 2026

Anya Shrubsole Joins RCB as Bowling Coach for WPL 2026

RCB Strengthen Support Staff Ahead of WPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed former England fast bowler and 2017 World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole as their new bowling coach as part of a major reshuffle ahead of WPL 2026. Shrubsole’s appointment adds valuable experience and leadership to the RCB Women’s support staff. So let’s have a look about Anya Shrubsole Joins RCB as Bowling Coach for WPL 2026.

Malolan Rangarajan Steps In as Head Coach

Alongside Shrubsole, Malolan Rangarajan, former Tamil Nadu spinner and long-time RCB associate, will take over as head coach for the upcoming season.
The change comes after Luke Williams, who served as RCB’s head coach since 2024, stepped down due to scheduling conflicts with his BBL commitments for the Adelaide Strikers.

The WPL 2026 season has been advanced by a month, now starting January 8 and concluding in early February, just before the Men’s T20 World Cup.

Anya Shrubsole’s Glorious Career

A 2017 World Cup-winning hero, Shrubsole retired from international cricket in 2022 after claiming over 200 wickets for England across formats.
Known for her swing bowling and ability to deliver under pressure, she famously picked up a six-wicket haul in the 2017 World Cup final, leading England to victory.

Since retirement, Shrubsole has transitioned into coaching, serving as a player-assistant coach with the Southern Vipers under Charlotte Edwards. Her stint with RCB marks her first coaching role in the WPL.

Rangarajan and Shrubsole: A New Leadership Duo

Rangarajan has been part of RCB’s setup since the inaugural WPL season, working under Ben Sawyer, Mike Hesson, and later assisting Williams during RCB’s title-winning 2024 campaign.
Together, Shrubsole and Rangarajan will aim to revive RCB’s championship-winning momentum and prepare the squad for another strong season in 2026.

WPL 2026 Retention Deadline and Auction

RCB’s immediate focus is the player retention deadline on November 5, followed by the WPL 2026 Mega Auction expected on November 26 in New Delhi.

Franchise captain Smriti Mandhana remains RCB’s top retention choice, while talks are ongoing with Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Sophie Molineux, and Shreyanka Patil for renewals.

RCB Eye Another Title Run

After securing their first-ever WPL title in 2024, RCB are determined to return to the top under new leadership.
The combination of Shrubsole’s international experience and Rangarajan’s tactical expertise could be the perfect formula to bring another WPL trophy to Bengaluru.