RCB Faces Tough Decisions Ahead of Women's Premier League Retentions

As the Women's Premier League approaches, RCB faces critical decisions regarding player retention. Former cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy discusses the potential choices, including whether to keep key players like Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry. With the deadline looming, the team must navigate a competitive landscape, considering both established stars and promising uncapped players. This article delves into the strategic implications of these decisions and highlights the performances that could influence RCB's roster for the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 6, 2025, 02:14 IST

RCB's Retention Dilemma for WPL 2026

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 5: With the deadline for player retention approaching for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season, former Indian cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy has weighed in on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) selection challenges. The team must decide whether to keep two or three overseas players, especially considering the impressive performances of skipper Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh during India's historic ICC Women's World Cup victory. Additionally, South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk has emerged as a compelling option following her standout tournament.

According to ESPNcricinfo, franchises are allowed to retain up to five players before the mega auction for WPL 2026. The deadline for these announcements is set for November 5, with the auction scheduled between November 25 and 29.

During a discussion on JioHotstar's WPL 'Retention Preview', Veda, serving as a JioStar expert, stated, 'RCB is at a crossroads regarding whether to retain three Indian players or limit it to two. Smriti Mandhana is undoubtedly their top choice, but Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry are also strong contenders, forming a formidable top three. Nadine de Klerk's performance in the World Cup makes her an attractive option, yet this creates competition for spots with players like Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patil. If they are released, RCB may struggle to afford them back. Among uncapped players, Prema Rawat shows significant potential despite limited chances. These factors present both challenges and opportunities for RCB's retention strategy.'

In the ICC Women's World Cup, Smriti was the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 434 runs in nine innings, including a century and two fifties, averaging 54.25. Richa also had a remarkable tournament, scoring 235 runs in eight innings at an average of 39.16, with a strike rate exceeding 133, highlighted by a top score of 94, her only fifty. Both players were crucial in RCB's title-winning campaign in 2024.

De Klerk also made a significant impact during the World Cup, scoring 208 runs at an average of 52.00 and a strike rate of 131.64, including a crucial 84* against India that secured a win for the Proteas.

Despite their individual successes, RCB struggled this year, finishing with only three wins and five losses, which prevented them from reaching the playoffs.

Retaining Perry, the legendary Australian all-rounder, seems essential, as she ranks as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament's history with 972 runs in 25 innings, averaging 64.80 and boasting a strike rate over 132, along with eight fifties. In RCB's championship season, Perry led the run charts with 347 runs in nine matches, including two fifties.

Young Indian spinner Shreyanka Patil was a standout in the 2024 title-winning season, taking 13 wickets, including four in the finals against Delhi Capitals. Australian bowler Sophie Molineux also contributed significantly, claiming three wickets in the final and earning the 'Player of the Match' award.

Mithali, another JioStar expert, emphasized the importance of retaining Perry, labeling her a 'match-winner with both bat and ball.' She also highlighted the significance of overseas players like Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, and Molineux, suggesting that Perry and Wareham could be top picks.

'RCB should definitely keep Ellyse Perry, as she has proven to be a match-winner. Georgia Wareham adds valuable leg-spin and hitting ability in the middle overs. While Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux are solid options, Perry and Wareham are likely to be their top choices,' she noted.

'Among Indian players, Smriti Mandhana is an automatic selection, and Richa Ghosh is essential as a wicketkeeper-batter. The third retention could be someone like Sneh Rana, who has shown promise when given opportunities, or Kanika Ahuja for her left-handed batting in the lower order. They might also consider retaining uncapped player VJ Joshita, who impressed in her chances,' she concluded.