Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W), the champions of the 2024 Women’s Premier League, have taken a major step toward fortifying their backroom staff by appointing former England medium pacer Anya Shrubsole as assistant coach for the WPL 2026 season. The franchise aims to inject world-class cricketing intelligence and proven experience into their setup as they chase a second league title.
The Bengaluru side, captained by Smriti Mandhana for the last three seasons, enjoyed their finest moment in 2024, defeating Delhi Capitals Women in the final to secure their maiden T20 crown. With a renewed focus on building a long-term core, RCB have now added Shrubsole’s renowned bowling expertise to a team already brimming with talent.
This decision coincides with the franchise’s preparations for the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, where strategic planning and experienced guidance will be crucial.
Shrubsole enters the coaching group under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Malolan Rangarajan, who replaces Luke Williams at the helm. Her arrival marks another significant change in the dugout, succeeding Sunetra Paranjape, who served as assistant coach until last season.
Rangarajan praised the value Shrubsole brings, in a statement he said, “Anya brings with her a wealth of experience and leadership. She will oversee our bowling unit and serve as an integral member of our think tank. I have no doubt she will settle in seamlessly with the group and make a significant impact both on and off the field.”
One of the most respected fast bowlers in women’s cricket, Shrubsole represented England across 8 Tests, 86 ODIs, and 79 T20Is, collecting 227 international wickets (19 Test wickets, 106 ODI wickets and 102 T20I wickets) before retiring in 2022.
Her most iconic performance came during the 2017 Women’s World Cup final, where she delivered a match-winning spell of 6/47 against India—an effort that earned her the Player of the Match award and secured the title for England.
Since hanging up her boots, Shrubsole has transitioned seamlessly into coaching. She has featured in The Hundred as a player-coach and has worked closely with legendary England captain Charlotte Edwards while serving as assistant coach and player for the Southern Vipers.
Her move to RCB marks her first coaching assignment in the WPL, an opportunity that adds a new chapter to her evolving post-playing career.
On her role as the assistant coach, Shrubsole said, “Really excited to have joined RCB. I am grateful for the opportunity. I am really looking forward to work with world class players in an amazing tournament and hopefully bringing a trophy home. I can’t wait to get going,” in a video posted by RCB.
With her mastery of medium pace, tactical sharpness, and championship-winning pedigree, Shrubsole is expected to significantly elevate RCB’s bowling unit. Her presence provides balance alongside Rangarajan’s leadership and contributes to RCB’s broader objective of translating a 2024 breakthrough into long-term dominance.
As the WPL 2026 season approaches, RCB’s bold investment in experience, strategy, and mentorship signals their intent: they are not just defending champions—they are building a legacy.
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