Anya Shrubsole joins RCB as bowling coach for WPL 2026

Anya Shrubsole joins RCB as bowling coach for WPL 2026

RCB strengthens support staff ahead of WPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed former England fast bowler and 2017 World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole as their new bowling coach as part of a major reshuffle ahead of WPL 2026. Shrubsole’s appointment adds valuable experience and leadership to the RCB Women’s support staff. So let’s take a look at Anya Shrubsole joining RCB as bowling coach for WPL 2026.

Malolan Rangarajan takes on the position of Head Coach

Besides Shrubsole, former Tamil Nadu spinner and long-time RCB employee Malolan Rangarajan will take over as head coach in the coming season.
The change comes after Luke Williams, who had been RCB head coach since 2024, resigned due to scheduling conflicts with his BBL commitments for the Adelaide Strikers.

The WPL 2026 season has been brought forward by a month and will now start on January 8 and end in early February, just before the Men’s T20 World Cup.

The glorious career of Anya Shrubsole

Shrubsole, a World Cup-winning hero in 2017, retired from international cricket in 2022 after claiming more than 200 wickets for England across formats.
Known for her swing bowling and ability to perform under pressure, she took a famous six-wicket win in the 2017 World Cup final, leading England to victory.

Since his retirement, Shrubsole has transitioned into coaching, serving as a player assistant coach with the Southern Vipers under Charlotte Edwards. Her stint at RCB marks her first coaching role in the WPL.

Rangarajan and Shrubsole: A new leadership duo

Rangarajan has been part of RCB’s set-up since the first WPL season. He worked under Ben Sawyer and Mike Hesson and later assisted Williams during RCB’s 2024 title-winning campaign.
Together, Shrubsole and Rangarajan will aim to reignite RCB’s winning momentum and prepare the side for another strong season in 2026.

WPL 2026 Retention Deadline and Auction

RCB’s immediate focus is the player retention deadline on November 5, followed by the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, expected on November 26 in New Delhi.

Franchise Captain Smriti Mandhana remains RCB’s top pick for retention, while talks are ongoing with Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patil for extensions.

RCB Eye Another title run

After securing their first-ever WPL title in 2024, RCB are determined to return to the top under new leadership.
The combination of Shrubsole’s international experience and Rangarajan’s tactical expertise could be the perfect formula to bring another WPL trophy to Bengaluru.