BENGALURU: Former WPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entered the WPL 2026 mega-auction with the dual objective of securing long-term stability and rebuilding a match-winning core after a disappointing 2025 season. Having lifted their maiden title in 2024, expectations were high for the defending champions last year, but the campaign turned out to be below par, prompting a significant reset ahead of the new edition.
With five foundational players retained and several strategic buys made at the auction, RCB now look prepared to return to title contention under a refreshed leadership group and updated squad blueprint.
Leadership continuity and vision for 2026
Earlier this month, RCB announced Malolan Rangarajan as the head coach for the upcoming season. Rangarajan has been part of the RCB set-up from the team’s inception and will continue to partner with captain Smriti Mandhana in shaping the team’s tactical and developmental direction.
RCB insiders believe the Rangarajan–Mandhana partnership brings a strong understanding of the squad’s strengths, challenges and cultural foundation. Both have previously worked closely with the players who delivered the franchise’s first WPL title, and the management hopes that continuity will allow RCB to rediscover their winning template.
Retentions signal trust in established core
Ahead of the auction, RCB retained a powerful core of proven performers:
- Smriti Mandhana – Captain and premier left-hand batter
- Ellyse Perry – Veteran all-rounder and match-winning presence
- Shreyanka Patil – Breakout spin all-rounder
- Richa Ghosh – Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter
- One additional retained core player (as per initial reference to five retained players)
These selections reflect RCB’s commitment to retaining stability at the top while rebuilding the rest of the unit around their biggest performers. Mandhana, Perry and Shreyanka in particular form a balanced leadership triangle across batting, all-round ability and bowling.
Major buys headlined by pace sensation Lauren Bell
At the WPL 2026 mega-auction, RCB approached their squad-building with precision, focusing heavily on improving their bowling stocks while adding strategic all-round depth. Their costliest signing was England pacer Lauren Bell, acquired for ₹90 lakh, making her the team’s biggest investment of the auction.
Players bought by RCB at WPL 2026 mega-auction
- Georgia Voll – ₹60 lakh
- Nadine de Klerk – ₹65 lakh
- Radha Yadav – ₹65 lakh
- Lauren Bell – ₹90 lakh
- Linsey Smith – ₹30 lakh
- Prema Rawat – ₹20 lakh (RTM)
- Arundhati Reddy – ₹75 lakh
- Pooja Vastrakar – ₹85 lakh
- Grace Harris – ₹75 lakh
The franchise emphasised recruiting versatile bowlers and seam-bowling all-rounders—areas that proved costly during their 2025 campaign.
A clearer breakdown of RCB’s auction strategy
Batters
- Georgia Voll
Voll adds solidity in the middle order and provides RCB with youthful energy and future potential.
Bowlers
- Radha Yadav
- Lauren Bell
- Linsey Smith
- Prema Rawat
- Arundhati Reddy
- Pooja Vastrakar
This bowling-heavy recruitment showcases RCB’s intent to fix their biggest weakness from 2025—lack of penetration with the ball, especially in middle overs.
All-rounders
- Nadine de Klerk
- Grace Harris
De Klerk adds seam balance while Harris brings explosive middle-order power alongside useful off-spin.
Wicketkeepers
- (None acquired; reliance on Richa Ghosh continues)
Full squad after the WPL 2026 auction
Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Shreyanka Patil, Richa Ghosh, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris
This blend of experienced internationals, Indian domestic talents and dependable all-rounders offers RCB a more balanced and multidimensional line-up compared to last season.
Looking ahead: Can RCB return to their 2024 peak?
While RCB experienced the highs of championship glory in 2024, the subsequent year served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of franchise cricket. The management has treated the 2026 mega-auction as a reset button—one that allows them to reimagine the squad while retaining their most trusted performers.
The arrival of top-tier bowlers like Bell and Vastrakar, paired with the leadership of Mandhana and the experience of Perry, positions RCB strongly to challenge for the title once again. Much will depend on how quickly the revamped squad gels, but the franchise enters the new season with renewed optimism and a sense of unfinished business.