RCB's Strategic Moves in WPL 2026 Auction: Coach Malolan Rangarajan's Insights

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's head coach, Malolan Rangarajan, reflects on the team's strategic approach during the WPL 2026 auction. Emphasizing patience, he reveals how the team secured key players like Lauren Bell and Pooja Vastrakar, aiming to enhance their winning combination. With a focus on building a strong squad without major overhauls, RCB is set to defend their title in the upcoming season. Discover the full roster and insights from the coach on their auction strategy and player selections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 17:48 IST

RCB's Successful Auction Strategy

Malolan Rangarajan, the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), shared insights on the team's recent performance during the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction for the 2026 season. He emphasized that their strategy of 'staying patient' during the auction proved beneficial, resulting in the acquisition of players that fit their needs perfectly. RCB, the reigning champions of the 2024 WPL, successfully added twelve new players to their roster, including notable signings such as England's Lauren Bell for INR 90 Lakhs, Australia's Grace Harris for Rs 75 Lakhs, South Africa's Nadine de Klerk for Rs 65 Lakhs, and Georgia Voll from Australia for Rs 60 Lakhs. Additionally, they secured Indian talents like Pooja Vastrakar for Rs 85 Lakhs, Arundhati Reddy for Rs 75 Lakhs, and Radha Yadav for Rs 65 Lakhs.

'Patience Pays Dividends': Coach's Perspective

In an interview on JioHotstar, Malolan remarked, 'Patience pays dividends, which encapsulates our auction strategy. While significant funds were spent early on, we maintained our composure. Our preparation was key; we had a clear understanding of the players we needed to enhance our squad. I am thrilled with the new additions to our team.'

Enhancing the Winning Team

Malolan also expressed a desire to re-sign Australian spinner Sophie Molineux, who was pivotal in their 2024 victory against Delhi Capitals. However, since she did not enter the auction, the focus shifted to refining their existing winning combination instead of making drastic changes. 'We aimed to strengthen our bowling attack while preserving our batting strength. With players like Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Ellyse Perry already in the squad, the addition of Nadine de Klerk and Grace Harris expands our options. Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy enhance our bowling versatility and batting depth. We aimed for a strong fielding side, and I am pleased with our selections, but the true test will be on the field,' he noted.

Acquisition of Key Indian Players

Discussing the signing of Indian pacer Pooja Vastrakar, who boasts 58 wickets in 72 T20Is and can contribute valuable runs, Malolan highlighted her potential impact. 'A fully fit Vastrakar adds immense value to any team. She is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and we believe she will be ready in the coming weeks. With the WPL starting in a month, we have ample time to prepare her for matches. Arundhati Reddy is another fantastic addition; a World Cup champion, she excels in fielding and can bowl effectively in all phases. Her character is a great asset to our team, and we are delighted with these signings,' he concluded.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad Overview

The current Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad includes: Lauren Bell (INR 90 Lakhs), Pooja Vastrakar (Rs 85 Lakhs), Grace Harris (Rs 75 Lakhs), Arundhati Reddy (Rs 75 Lakhs), Nadine de Klerk (Rs 65 Lakhs), Radha Yadav (Rs 65 Lakhs), Georgia Voll (Rs 60 Lakhs), Linsey Smith (Rs 30 Lakhs), Dayalan Hemalatha (Rs 30 Lakhs), Prema Rawat (Right-to-Match, Rs 20 Lakhs), Gautami Naik (Rs 10 Lakhs), Prathyoosha Kumar (Rs 10 Lakhs), along with retained players Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, and Ellyse Perry.