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World Cup hero Anya Shrubsole joins RCB Women as bowling coach for WPL 2026

Akshita Patel

Anya Shrubsole to step into WPL [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]Anya Shrubsole to step into WPL [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are adding some serious firepower to their women’s support staff ahead of WPL 2026. Former England fast bowler and 2017 World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole has reportedly joined the team as the new bowling coach.

One of England's most historic cricketers, Shrubsole stepped away from international cricket in 2022 after taking more than 200 wickets for England.

She was known for her swing bowling and big-match temperament and, most famously, her six-wicket haul in the 2017 World Cup final that helped England lift the trophy. 

RCB strengthen support staff with Anya Shrubsole on board

Since retiring, Anya Shrubsole has moved into coaching, working with the Southern Vipers as a player-assistant coach under Charlotte Edwards. 

Now, she’s ready to make her mark in the Women’s Premier League for the first time.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, Shrubsole will be the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s (RCBW) new bowling coach ahead of the WPL 2026 season.

RCB’s decision to bring Anya Shrubsole on board comes as part of a coaching reshuffle. Due to a scheduling conflict between the WPL and the BBL, head coach Luke Williams will miss this season. 

In his place, Malolan Rangarajan, a familiar face in RCB’s setup, will step in as interim head coach. 

Rangarajan, a former Tamil Nadu spinner, has been part of RCB’s WPL team since the league’s inception and also serves as a lead scout for the men’s franchise. 

Together, Shrubsole and Rangarajan will look to reignite the fire that led RCB to their historic WPL title win in 2024, their first-ever trophy in franchise history.

WPL retention deadline set at November 5

RCBW are now gearing up for a busy few weeks ahead of the November 5 retention deadline and the WPL mega auction, expected to take place on November 26 in New Delhi. 

As always, Smriti Mandhana remains the franchise’s top retention pick and will continue to lead the team. 

Talks are ongoing with stars like Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Sophie Molineux, and Shreyanka Patil to secure their spots for the new season.