As the countdown to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 begins, defending Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are setting their sights on back-to-back titles.
In WPL 2024, with 8 points, RCB advanced into the finals defeating Mumbai Indians in the semis. They clinched their maiden WPL title with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in the final at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry secured the Orange Cap as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 347 runs, while RCB’s Shreyanka Patil claimed the Purple Cap with 13 wickets.
However, the team faces challenges ahead of the new season. New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine has taken an indefinite break from cricket, citing personal reasons, and will miss the WPL 2025. Additionally, Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out due to a knee injury. Kate Cross has opted out too. To fill these voids, RCB has signed Australian all-rounders Heather Graham and Kim Garth, as well as England’s spin all-rounder Charlie Dean.
Ahead of their season opener against Gujarat on 14th February, RCB shared glimpses from their training session, with the post titled ‘Our overseas ensemble is ready to take over’.
The post featured their key foreign players; the Australian trio of Georgia Wareham, Heather Graham and Kim Garth and the English all-rounder Charlie Dean. These players will remain central to RCB’s strategy this season. Their all-round capabilities add depth to the squad, ensuring a strong balance between batting and bowling. With their skills, they are expected to play an important role in RCB’s campaign.
RCB has also been focusing on strengthening team cohesion through intensive training sessions with their Indian core, including captain Smriti Mandhana, pace spearhead Renuka Singh, and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. The much-awaited arrival of Ellyse Perry has further boosted the squad, with the star all-rounder reuniting with her teammates ahead of the season opener.
The team’s strategic approach was evident during the WPL 2025 auction, where they reinforced their squad by acquiring promising young talent, ensuring they have depth across all departments.
As they gear up to defend their title, RCB remains determined to build on last season’s success, blending experience with emerging talent in pursuit of back-to-back championships.
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