Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced on Thursday that former Tamil Nadu spinner Malolan Rangarajan will be the head coach of their women’s team for the fourth WPL season next year.
Rangarajan takes
over from Luke Williams, who was appointed head coach in 2024. The Australian coach will miss the WPL (Women’s Premier League) due to his commitments with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.
“Malolan Rangarajan, a key member of the RCB support staff for the last six years in various roles, has now been appointed as head coach for the upcoming WPL cycle,” RCB shared on their official X handle.
“Very excited just at the prospect of leading this wonderful franchise into a new WPL cycle.”
🎥 Our newly appointed Head Coach, Malolan Rangarajan, speaks about his role, rapport with Smriti Mandhana and more as he looks ahead to a bold new chapter at RCB. 🔥💪
This is… pic.twitter.com/H2Wi7F3Xgm
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 6, 2025
Speaking on the new role, Rangarajan said, “I’m very excited and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of the women’s team. I want to acknowledge Luke’s contribution and impact, which led to RCB’s title win in 2024. The upcoming mega auction presents an exciting challenge, giving us the chance to shape the next phase of the squad while having a strong core to consider for retentions.”
He added, “Over the past three years, I’ve developed a great working relationship with Smriti, as well as the coaching and support staff, and I look forward to continuing that partnership to deliver the success that RCB fans deserve.”
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana said she is confident that working with Malolan Rangarajan would bring more success.
“I share great rapport with him and I’ve enjoyed our cricketing discussions. He’s been a positive influence on the girls over the last three years and I’m confident of working well together, leading RCB to success in the upcoming season,” Smriti Mandhana said.
Reflecting on the development, Rajesh Menon, Chief Operating Officer of RCB, noted, “Malolan has been integral to RCB’s growth story, and his transition to Head Coach is a natural progression. Having been part of the RCB Women’s team’s core group since the inaugural season, he brings deep familiarity with the team’s culture. This aligns with our vision for the club, and Malo understands RCB’s distinctive style of play.”
Who Is Malolan Rangarajan?
Rangarajan has been involved with RCB’s WPL setup since its inception. Rangarajan served as assistant coach during RCB’s past two seasons, including the team’s historic title-winning campaign in 2024.
Rangarajan, a former cricketer who played for Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand in domestic cricket, has significantly contributed to the growth of the RCB Men’s team. Over the years, he has collaborated closely with figures like Sanjay Bangar, Mike Hesson, Dinesh Karthik, Simon Katich, and Andy Flower.
The WPL will be held a month earlier than usual in 2026, from January to February, as India is set to co-host the men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka in the February-March window.
(With inputs from Agencies)
