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World Cup Hero Joins RCB: Anya Shrubsole's Coaching Debut in WPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have made a major coaching move by bringing in World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole as assistant coach. The former England pacer will work alongside newly promoted head coach Malolan Rangarajan for the upcoming WPL season. This appointment comes after previous head coach Luke Williams became unavailable due to BBL commitments. The franchise also confirmed the retention of four key players including captain Smriti Mandhana ahead of the mega auction.

Key Points: Anya Shrubsole Appointed RCB Assistant Coach for WPL 2026

  • Shrubsole brings 200+ international wickets and World Cup final heroics to RCB
  • Replaces Sunetra Paranjape as bowling coach in franchise reshuffle
  • Joins newly promoted head coach Malolan Rangarajan for WPL 2026
  • Luke Williams exits due to Big Bash League commitments with Adelaide Strikers
2 min read

RCB confirm Anya Shrubsole's appointment as assistant coach for WPL 2026

2017 World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole joins RCB as assistant coach alongside head coach Malolan Rangarajan for WPL 2026 season with bold new coaching setup.

"A proven champion, now stepping up to guide our girls - RCB Franchise Announcement"

New Delhi, Nov 9

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) confirmed former England cricketer Anya Shrubsole's addition to their coaching setup, as the 2017 World Cup winner has joined the franchise as assistant coach for the 2026 edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL).

Shrubsole, the ODI World Cup winner with England, will join RCB's setup for the first time and work alongside Malolan Rangarajan, who has been promoted to the role of head coach for the upcoming season.

The changes come after Luke Williams, RCB's head coach during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, was ruled out of the season due to his commitments with Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL).

"A proven champion, now stepping up to guide our girls. Join us in welcoming Anya Shrubsole - former England pacer, 2017 Women's World Cup winner and Player of the Match in the final - as RCB's Assistant Coach in the WPL. Anya's rich experience and champion mentality will take RCB's #PlayBold philosophy forward," the franchise wrote while making the announcement on X.

Shrubsole, who retired from international cricket in 2022 with over 200 wickets across formats, has since turned her focus to coaching. She previously served as player-assistant coach under Charlotte Edwards at Southern Vipers in the English domestic circuit.

Her new role with RCB will mark her first stint as a coach in the WPL, succeeding Sunetra Paranjape, who served as the bowling coach until 2025.

Earlier this week, RCB announced the retention of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, and Shreyanka Patil ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction.

Mandhana, who led RCB to victory in WPL 2024, will keep her role as captain and was the first player retained at Rs. 3.5 crore. Wicket-keeper batter Ghosh, who continues to rise through the ranks, has also re-signed with the franchise for Rs. 2.75 crore.

Perry, one of the sport's all-time greatest cricketers, will remain with RCB for Rs. 2 crore as the third player retained. Spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil, who secured the Purple Cap in WPL 2024 but missed the previous season due to injury, is re-signed as the fourth player for Rs. 60 lakh lakhs.

The four retentions amount to Rs. 8.85 Cr, leaving RCB with Rs. 6.15 Cr for the mega auction, plus one 'Right To Match' card to re-sign an uncapped player.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate Shrubsole's credentials, I wish RCB had considered an Indian coach for this role. We have so much domestic talent who understand our conditions better. Just my two cents.
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Sarah B
Exciting times for RCB women's team! With Shrubsole's coaching experience and the core players retained, this looks like a solid setup. Can't wait to see Shreyanka Patil back in action after her injury. 💪
A
Aditya G
Smart retention strategy by RCB. Keeping Mandhana, Richa, Perry and Shreyanka gives them a strong core. Now with 6.15 Cr left, they can build a championship-winning squad around them. Ee saala cup namde! 🏆
M
Meera T
As a woman cricketer myself, it's inspiring to see international stars like Shrubsole joining WPL coaching staff. This will definitely raise the standard of women's cricket in India. More power to our girls! 🙌
K
Karthik V
Hope Shrubsole focuses on developing our Indian pace bowling talent. We need more quality Indian pacers in women's cricket. Her expertise could be the game-changer we need.

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