Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is preparing for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) season with high hopes of defending their hard-earned title.
Following a remarkable 2024 campaign that saw them claim their first-ever WPL trophy by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final, RCB is focused on building a balanced and well-rounded squad. With the allowance of up to six overseas players, and a potential spot for an Associate Member, RCB has some key decisions to make in the retention, release, and auction processes. Here’s a detailed look at the likely retentions, releases, and buys based on past performances and squad needs.
RCB’s previous season was a testament to perseverance. After a challenging 2023 season, where they suffered five consecutive losses, the franchise turned things around in 2024 with renewed strategy and stellar performances.
Overseas stalwarts Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, and Sophie Molineux brought experience and firepower, while Indian talents like Shreyanka Patil, Asha Shobana, and Richa Ghosh were instrumental in their title-winning campaign. Under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, RCB showcased resilience and determination, building the foundation of a winning squad.
For the 2024 edition, RCB strategically retained core players, including Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil. These players formed the backbone of the squad, while key acquisitions like Georgia Wareham (Australia), Kate Cross (England), Ekta Bisht, Shubha Satheesh, Sabbhineni Meghana, Simran Bahadur, Sophie Molineux (Australia) added crucial depth. Despite their strengthened squad, RCB still faced gaps in their seam-bowling department, which they will look to address in the upcoming season.
Likely Retentions includes Asha Shobana, Disha Kasat, Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Indrani Roy, Kanika Ahuja, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, Shubha Satheesh, Ekta Bisht, Sabbhineni Meghana, Sophie Molineux, Dani Wyatt-Hodge (traded from UP Warriorz).
By retaining this core group, RCB is holding on to its proven leaders and performers, aiming to preserve the stability and chemistry that won them the 2024 WPL title.
Some players may be released to make room for fresh talent or to address gaps in the squad.
Likely releases by RCB:
Nadine de Klerk:
With all-rounders like Perry and Devine already in the squad, de Klerk’s role could be redundant. Despite her potential, she only played one match last season, scoring 1 run and taking 2 wickets.
Shradda Pokharkar:
She featured in three games but did not make a significant impact, so RCB may look for other options.
Kate Cross:
The English pacer, bought at her base price, did not play any games for RCB and might be released to explore more fitting choices.
Simran Bahadur:
Appearing in six matches, she only scored 3 runs and went wicketless, signalling a probable release.
These releases are aimed at freeing up space to bring in players who better suit RCB’s evolving strategies.
One of RCB’s most pressing needs is in the seam-bowling department. While Sophie Devine and Ellyse Perry have contributed, Perry’s recent form suggests she may be more valuable with the bat. RCB would benefit from an additional seam-bowling option to provide reliable support to Renuka Singh and reduce pressure on their all-rounders.
RCB’s auction strategy will likely focus on bringing in a quality seam-bowler and a potential Associate Member player for added flexibility.
RCB’s target picks:
Tara Norris (Associate Member):
Norris, a standout in the inaugural season, played five matches for Delhi Capitals, taking seven wickets, including a stunning 5 for 29. As an Associate Member, she not only bolsters the seam attack but also offers RCB the flexibility to retain an additional overseas player.
Nadine de Klerk (Rebuy):
If RCB decides to bring her back, de Klerk’s experience with both bat and ball could provide depth. With 534 runs and 46 wickets in 63 T20Is, she has the skills to be a dual asset.
Rosemary Mair:
An alternative to de Klerk, Mair could provide solid seam support, bringing experience from her 31-match T20I career, where she has taken 29 wickets. She also showed her form with 9 wickets in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Young Indian talents like Kanika Ahuja and Shreyanka Patil have shown glimpses of brilliance and are expected to play a significant role this season. Patil’s spin has especially been a revelation, adding depth and control to RCB’s middle-overs strategy.
If RCB can secure their targeted players in the auction and address the seam-bowling department, they have the potential to be one of the strongest teams in the WPL. The addition of an Associate Member like Tara Norris would provide a crucial advantage, allowing them to make full use of their overseas quota. By carefully blending seasoned internationals with promising domestic talent, RCB is setting itself up to pursue another successful WPL campaign. With their title defense on the line, they are sure to bring a thrilling and competitive season to the fans.
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