RCB’s women’s team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, has made a big splash. They have appointed former England fast bowler Anya Shrubsole as their bowling coach.
This news comes ahead of the new season of the WPL 2026. Anya was a hero in the 2017 World Cup final, defeating India to win the title for England.
Now, she will help RCB’s bowlers improve their bowling.
Anya Shrubsole Career and New Role
Anya retired from international cricket in 2022. Before that, she had taken 227 wickets in 173 matches.
She surprised everyone by taking 6 wickets in the 2017 final at Lord’s. After retirement, she was coaching at Southern Vipers.
This will be her first time coaching in the WPL. She will work with Malolan Rangarajan, the head coach. Luke Williams was previously the coach, but he will be unable to attend due to the Big Bash League.
What changes are coming to the RCB team in the WPL 2026?
RCB finished fourth last season. Now, there are plans to strengthen the team. Smriti Mandhana has been retained as captain and the top order has been retained.
There are also talks of retaining Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Molineux, and Shreyanka Patil. Sunetra Paranjpe was the bowling coach, and Anya Shrubsole will now replace her.
Batting coach R. Muralidhar and physio Navneeta Gautam will remain in their positions.
As for Anya Shrubsole, her work has already begun. The team has to inform the team of the retained players by November 5th. Then there’s the mega auction on November 26th, where new bowlers will be introduced.
Anya has to identify their strengths and improve their weaknesses. She’s a former fast bowler herself, so she understands what’s happening on the pitch.
RCB’s bowling was a bit weak last WPL season. With Anya’s arrival, it’s hoped the fast bowling attack will be strengthened. She has also coached England’s domestic team, the Southern Vipers, and has done a good job there.
The WPL 2026 will now begin in January, as the T20 World Cup is in February.
