The Royal Challengers Bangalore Women team will participate in the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) full of fresh determination, hoping to recover after what was a disappointing title defence last season. Although the last edition was their title defence season, Smriti Mandhana’s RCB went through a hard season, losing five of the eight matches played and not getting the playoff spot.

The new season of WPL is about to start in just two days and RCB Women put their entire hopes on their most powerful weapon, the batter.

Batting and finishing: RCB’s biggest strength

RCB’s top order once again revolves around skipper Smriti Mandhana, who will be joined by Georgia Wareham, adding depth and aggression at the top. The middle order looks equally dangerous, led by wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, whose explosive hitting was on display during the recent ODI World Cup.

The finishing duties will be handled by powerful overseas batters Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk, both capable of changing games in a matter of overs. The batting depth is further strengthened by all-round options such as Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav and Lynsey Smith, who can step up depending on match situations.

Ellyse Perry’s absence a big blow

Over the past three seasons, the all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who was among the main contributors to the RCB’s victory, will not be taking part in WPL 2026 due to personal issues. Her absence creates a big gap, especially at the crucial No. 3 position, thus turning team combination into an important topic for discussion. Among those trying to win the position are Hemalatha and Gautami Nayak.

Adding to the challenge is uncertainty around Pooja Vastrakar’s fitness, which increases the workload on the pace department, especially on Arundhati Reddy.

RCB Women squad

Indian players:
Smriti Mandhana (captain), Richa Ghosh, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Gautami Nayak, Pratyusha, Hemalatha

Overseas players:
Georgia Wareham, Nadine de Klerk, Lauren Bell, Lynsey Smith, Grace Harris

RCB Women – Match schedule

• Jan 9: vs Mumbai – Navi Mumbai
• Jan 12: vs UP – Navi Mumbai
• Jan 16: vs Gujarat – Navi Mumbai
• Jan 17: vs Delhi – Navi Mumbai
• Jan 19: vs Gujarat – Vadodara
• Jan 24: vs Delhi – Vadodara
• Jan 26: vs Mumbai – Vadodara
• Jan 29: vs UP – Vadodara

RCB Women, driven by a strong batting line-up as well as new inspiration, will strive to change their fortunes and prove they are once again among the contenders for the title in WPL 2026.