Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Bowling and Assistant Coach Anya Shrubsole exuded quiet confidence in the post-match press conference following RCB’s thrilling 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants in Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Match 9 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on 16th January 2026.
The Smriti Mandhana-led side scripted history with their first-ever hat-trick of wins, recovering from 43/4 to post 182/7, powered by Radha Yadav’s maiden WPL half-century (66 off 47), before Shreyanka Patil’s sensational 5/23 (3.5-0-23-5) dismantled the Giants for 150. Shurbsole praised the team’s depth, Shreyanka’s resurgence post-injury, and skipper Mandhana’s tactical nous, while addressing debates on bowling rotations amid a perfect start to the season.
RCB’s bowlers, led by Shreyanka’s maiden five-for, making her the third Indian to achieve it in WPL history and joint-leading wicket-taker with 8 scalps at 13.12 average, turned the chase into a procession. Lauren Bell (3/29) and Arundhati Reddy’s stunning return catch sealed key blows, while Bharti Fulmali (39 off 20) and Kashvee Gautam (18 off 14, 2/42) fought valiantly for the Giants but fell short. Shurbsole highlighted Shreyanka’s growth, noting her return from a lengthy injury lay-off.
“Shreyanka is an exceptional bowler. I think her best ball is exceptional. She bowls it at a good pace. She gets the ball to spin. We’ve been encouraging her to bowl her best ball more often. She deserved her five-fer today. I thought she was outstanding,” Shurbsole said, crediting focused training where Shreyanka plans meticulously against batters.
Radha Yadav’s all-round brilliance, her 66 (6×4, 3×6) anchoring a 105-run stand with Richa Ghosh (44 off 28), plus sharp fielding, earned her Player of the Match honours (67 runs at 136.73 SR overall). Shurbsole revealed the strategy behind slotting her at No. 5: to delay Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk’s entry, praising her evolution. “Radha hits a lot of balls and is really specific. Her batting has improved out of sight. She works unbelievably hard, and she’s really got her rewards today.”
Amid scrutiny over powerplay spin from Linsey Smith and rotations like saving Bell’s overs, Shurbsole remained unfazed by RCB’s 3-0 record, the first team to win after slumping to 4 wickets for under 50. “We’ve won three from three. So, it’s pretty hard to argue that we’re doing too many things wrong. Smriti takes the call out in the middle. She’s got it absolutely spot on in all three games.” On Fulmali’s late surge, she emphasised composure: “They needed 12 an over. Let’s be really clear on our plans. Let’s execute them. If we get a wicket, we felt like we were ahead.”
Shurbsole celebrated the squad’s balance, with everyone, from bench strength to Arundhati’s key scalp of Sophie Devine, contributing. RCB eyes a fourth straight win against Delhi Capitals in tonight’s 7:30 PM IST double-header at DY Patil, the last game here for the season before Vadodara from January 19.
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