Royal Challengers Bengaluru are reshaping their coaching staff ahead of the 2026 Women's Premier League season. Former England fast bowler Anya Shrubsole has been appointed as the new bowling coach, replacing Sunetra Paranjape who was part of RCB's title-winning campaign in WPL 2024. Meanwhile, head coach Luke Williams is stepping down due to scheduling conflicts with his commitments to Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Women's Big Bash League, which overlaps with the WPL starting January 8. Long-time assistant and strategy coach Malolan Rangarajan is expected to be promoted to the head coach position. Rangarajan has been with RCB since 2020 and played a crucial role in developing domestic talent. The champions of WPL 2024 finished fourth in the most recent season after winning three and losing five matches, failing to reach the playoffs.
Shrubsole Brings International Experience to RCB
Anya Shrubsole retired from international cricket in 2022 after representing England in eight Tests, 86 ODIs, and 79 T20Is, taking 19, 106, and 102 wickets respectively across formats. The 33-year-old had a strong record against India, claiming 34 wickets in 28 matches. Her most memorable performance came in the 2017 World Cup final at Lord's, where she took 6/46 to lead England to victory over India. Since retirement, she has worked with Southern Brave in The Hundred and served as player-cum-mentor for various English domestic teams. This appointment marks her first full-time coaching role in franchise cricket, replacing Sunetra Paranjape.
Source: Link