RCB appoint former spinner as new head coach ahead of WPL 2026 mega auction

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) declared the appointment of the new head coach, Malolan Rangarajan, ahead of the 2026 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. He was part of the Women's coaching staff last year and the season prior in 2024, assisting Luke Williams’ management. But he will now get a leading responsibility. 

Bengaluru finished the 2024 season of the league at the third position in the points table with four victories and as many defeats in eight matches at a net run rate of +0.306. They blew away the Mumbai Indians in the eliminator by five runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium before completing a stiff chase of 115 runs by eight wickets in the final against the Delhi Capitals.

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“Malolan Rangarajan, a key member of the RCB support staff for the last 6 years in various roles, has now been appointed as Head Coach for the upcoming WPL cycle.” The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise revealed in an official statement that they look to add another title to the success of 2024.

Malolan Rangarajan named new head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026

Bengaluru’s captain, Smriti Madhana, is the franchise’s second leading run-getter in the history of the competition. The captain has bagged 646 runs in 26 innings at an average of nearly 25 and a strike rate of 128.68 with the help of four half-centuries at the best score of 81 runs. She is excited to work with their new head coach.

“I want to congratulate Malolan Rangarajan on his appointment as Head Coach of RCB in the WPL. I share a great rapport with him, and I’ve enjoyed our cricketing discussions. He’s been a positive influence on the girls over the last three years, and I’m confident of working well together, leading RCB to success in the upcoming season.” Mandhana noted.

Ahead of the 2026 mega auction of the WPL, Bengaluru are expected to retain Mandhana, Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil. They will have one option of using the right-to-match card and INR 6.25 crore to build the rest of the squad.