Anya Shrubsole joins RCB Women as bowling coach ahead of WPL 2026: Reports

With the talks around the Women’s Premier League (WPL) intensifying with the auction set to be held later this month, the former champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women has seen a shuffle in their

coaching setup. With the WPL 2026 auction poised to be held in New Delhi in the last week of November 2025, the RCB Women have are undergoing some key changes in their side.

According to recent reports citing ESPNcricinfo, the RCB Women have appointed former England fast bowler Anya Shrubsole as their new bowling coach as a part of the reshuffle. However, the franchise hasn’t made any official communication of the same, but the World Cup comes into the coaching role after retiring from international cricket in 2022.

Notably, Shrubsole replaces Sunetra Paranjape, who previously served in the role until 2025 edition where the Smriti Mandhana-led side finished in fourth place with three wins in eight games and five defeats. Anya is set to work alongside Malolan Rangarajan and Luke Williams.

Luke Williams to miss WPL 2026 due to BBL commitments; Malolan Rangarajan to step in head coach role

In another big development, it is being reported that Luke Williams, who came onboard as head coach ahead of WPL 2024, is set to miss the upcoming edition due to his Big Bash League (BBL) commitments with Adelaide Strikers. This comes after a scheduling conflict which looms around as the WPL has been advanced by a month due to the T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026.

If these reports are to be believes, the former Tamil Nadu spinner and Malolan Rangarajan is likely to step in the role of head coach for the upcoming season. Notably, Rangarajan has been a part of the RCB Women’s setup since the inaugural edition. He will be joined by other members including R Muralidhar, Navnita Gautam and newly appointed Anya Shrubsole.