World Cup Winner Set to strengthen RCB’s coaching staff for WPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are bolstering their women’s setup with a major appointment ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. Former England fast bowler and 2017 World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole has joined the franchise as the new bowling coach, marking her first stint in the WPL.

Shrubsole replaces Sunetra Paranjape, who served as RCB’s bowling coach until 2025. The English legend brings a wealth of experience, having taken over 200 international wickets before retiring from international cricket in 2022. Best remembered for her iconic 6-wicket haul in the 2017 World Cup final that sealed England’s triumph, Shrubsole’s arrival is seen as a big boost to RCB’s bowling department.

Since her retirement, Shrubsole has transitioned into coaching, working as player-assistant coach under Charlotte Edwards at the Southern Vipers in England’s domestic setup. Her move to RCB adds another chapter to her illustrious career, this time as a mentor guiding the next generation of fast bowlers.

Rangarajan Takes Charge as Head Coach, Shrubsole Brings World Cup Experience to RCB

The coaching change at RCB comes amid a broader reshuffle. Head coach Luke Williams, who led the side in 2024 and 2025, will miss the upcoming season due to commitments with Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. With the WPL advanced to a January 8 start, Williams’ schedules clashed, forcing RCB to appoint Malolan Rangarajan as interim head coach.

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Rangarajan, a former Tamil Nadu spinner and long-time member of RCB’s setup, has served as assistant coach and lead scout since the league’s inception. He played a key role in RCB’s historic WPL title win in 2024, their maiden trophy across both men’s and women’s teams.

The new coaching duo of Rangarajan and Shrubsole will soon oversee crucial retention decisions ahead of the November 5 deadline, with the WPL mega auction scheduled for November 26 in New Delhi.

RCB are expected to retain captain Smriti Mandhana, along with Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Sophie Molineux, and Shreyanka Patil. After finishing fourth in 2025, RCB aim to reclaim their 2024 glory, this time with Shrubsole’s winning mentality leading their bowling attack.