5 players RCB must retain ahead of WPL 2026 Auction ft. Smriti Mandhana

Here are five players Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should retain ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction, including Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Molineux, and Shreyanka Patil.

Hemanth
Hemanth

4 mins read
5 players RCB must retain ahead of WPL 2026 Auction

As the Women's Premier League (WPL) prepares for its fourth season, a major shake-up could be on the cards with the possible return of a mega auction in 2026. This move, reminiscent of the men’s IPL format, could see teams rebuilding their squads almost from scratch, retaining only a select few players while the rest return to the auction pool.

While the final rules regarding the number of retentions, auction purse, and right-to-match (RTM) cards are yet to be confirmed, every franchise will be strategizing carefully. For Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who finally tasted glory in the WPL, identifying their core group will be crucial to maintaining balance and momentum.

Here’s a look at five players RCB must retain ahead of the WPL 2026 auction.

1. Smriti Mandhana

An obvious choice, Smriti Mandhana remains the heartbeat of RCB. As captain and opener, she has led from the front with consistent performances and smart leadership. Her evolution as a batter and her ability to anchor or accelerate depending on the situation make her indispensable.

Having guided RCB to their maiden WPL title and continuing to shine at the international level, Mandhana embodies what the franchise stands for class, composure, and consistency. There’s no question that RCB will build their next cycle around her.

2. Richa Ghosh

Dynamic, fearless, and efficient, Richa Ghosh is one of the finest wicketkeeper-batters in the country. At just 22, she has already proven her worth in crunch situations, whether it’s finishing innings with power or keeping her cool behind the stumps.

Given the scarcity of high-quality Indian wicketkeepers in the women’s circuit, letting Ghosh go would be a huge risk. Her maturity and composure have made her an invaluable part of RCB’s middle order, and she is undoubtedly a long-term investment.

3. Ellyse Perry

When it comes to reliability and impact, Ellyse Perry is in a league of her own. A proven match-winner across formats, Perry has been the backbone of RCB’s batting order, combining elegance with consistency.

She was RCB’s top run-scorer and the second-highest overall in one of the earlier editions, averaging close to 65 with a healthy strike rate. Her performances in other leagues, like the WBBL and The Hundred, have shown she still has plenty to offer. RCB will know that replacing someone of Perry’s calibre from the auction pool would be almost impossible.

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4. Sophie Molineux

Versatile and tactical, Sophie Molineux adds immense value as a left-arm spinner and lower-order batter. Her absence due to injury was a major blow for RCB in 2025, especially after her key role in their championship-winning 2024 campaign.

Recently, Molineux has continued to impress on the global stage, helping the Melbourne Renegades clinch the BBL 2024-25 title and delivering standout performances in the ongoing Women’s ODI World Cup. Her ability to deliver breakthroughs and contribute with the bat makes her one of the smartest retentions RCB could make.

5. Shreyanka Patil

Shreyanka Patil’s rise has been one of RCB’s biggest success stories. The leading wicket-taker in the WPL 2024, she quickly established herself as one of India’s most exciting young spinners before injuries sidelined her in 2025.

Now back in action after featuring in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Shreyanka is seen as a key piece in RCB’s future plans. Her blend of wicket-taking ability, energy, and aggression makes her a player around whom RCB can build their spin attack for years to come.

Honourable Mentions:

  • Georgia Wareham – Reliable leg-spinner and handy lower-order hitter.
  • Sneh Rana – Experienced Indian all-rounder with leadership traits.
  • Renuka Singh Thakur – Proven new-ball bowler capable of early breakthroughs.

Final Thoughts

With a potential mega auction on the horizon, Royal Challengers Bangalore face the tough task of balancing experience and youth. However, retaining the likes of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Molineux, and Shreyanka Patil would give them a stable and formidable core, one that can ensure sustained success and possibly more silverware in the seasons to come.

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