WPL 2026: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can retain ahead of Women's Premier League mega auction

He Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had a disappointing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season, failing to qualify for the playoffs despite entering as defending champions.

RCB’s tough campaign in WPL 2025

Their campaign, which began with high hopes, was quickly derailed due to a combination of poor form and injuries. The team suffered a slump in the middle of the season, suffering five consecutive losses that significantly affected their playoff chances. In the end, they were eliminated after losing a match they had to win against the up warriors for 12 runs.

A major factor behind their struggles was a series of close defeats at home, where they failed to close out games despite their good starts. Injuries to key players such as Shreyanka PatilAsha Sobhanaand Sofia Molineux It also disturbed the balance of the team, forcing frequent changes in the eleven.

5 players RCB can retain before WPL 2025

With the mega auction approaching ahead of the WPL 2026 season, the RCB management is faced with crucial decisions on player retention. Having tasted success in 2024 when they lifted their first WPL title, the franchise will look to rebuild a core group capable of regaining their dominance.

Here’s a look at five players RCB are likely to retain – two overseas stars, two Indian international players and one non-international youngster – as they prepare for a new start.

1. Smriti Mandhana: The batting leader and pillar

Role: Leadoff hitter and captain.
Price in 2025: INR 3.40 crores
Performance in 2025: 197 runs in 8 matches with 2 fifties

RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana he remains the face of the franchise and a vital cog in its setup. Despite his team’s struggles, Mandhana’s leadership and experience remain invaluable. In WPL 2025, he scored two half-centuries and seemed to be in good touch at times, but lacked consistent support from the other end.

Beyond his runs, Mandhana’s aggressive yet composed approach at the top of the order provides RCB with stability and style. As captain, she has shown great tactical understanding and the management would like her to continue leading the team during the transition phase. Retaining her will be a no-brainer for RCB as they march towards another title charge.

2. Ellyse Perry: the reliable all-rounder

Role: Off-road
Price in 2025: INR 1.70 crore
Performance in 2025: 197 runs in 6 matches with 1 fifty

Veteran Australian Superstar Ellyse Perry He has been one of RCB’s most consistent foreign players since the inception of the league. Although he missed a couple of games due to injury in 2025, Perry showed his class with both bat and ball when fit. Her composed batting in the middle order and ability to deliver crucial overs in pressure situations make her an indispensable asset. Perry’s leadership experience also complements Mandhana’s captaincy, providing calm during tense moments. Given her match-winning pedigree and the balance she brings to the team, RCB will almost certainly keep her as one of their overseas options.

3. Richa Ghosh: The Revolutionary Revolutionary

Role: batsman-wicketkeeper
Price in 2025: INR 1.90 crore
Performance in 2025: 230 runs in 8 matches with 2 fifties

Dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh has been one of RCB’s brightest players in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Her fearless batting and ability to accelerate in the death overs have made her a fan favourite. In 2025, he scored 230 runs with two impressive fifties, often rescuing RCB from sticky situations.

At just 21 years old, Ghosh has already established himself as a key member of India’s T20 side. Her dual role behind the stumps and in the middle order makes her a must-have for RCB. She represents the future of the franchise and could potentially take on greater leadership responsibilities in the coming years.

4. Danni Wyatt-Hodge: the spark abroad

Role: Opening batter
Price in 2025: INR 30 thousand rupees
Performance in 2025: 137 runs in 6 matches with 1 fifty

England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge was a valuable addition to RCB’s top order in 2025, offering offensive starts in the powerplay. Although his numbers may not seem exceptional, Wyatt’s aggressive intent and experience proved crucial during several matches. Her adaptability to Indian conditions and proven track record in T20 cricket make her a strong candidate for retention as RCB’s second overseas player. She provides a perfect complement to Mandhana at the top, and the pair could form one of the most formidable starting partnerships at WPL 2026.

5. VJ Joshitha: The promising young pacer

Role: Medium pacemaker
Price in 2025: INR 10 lakhs
Performance in 2025: 4 matches, no wickets

Although VJ Joshitha Although he didn’t have a great season in 2025, the 19-year-old pacer remains one of RCB’s most promising talents. Despite having no wickets in the four matches she played, Joshitha showed flashes of potential with her control and swing movement.

Given RCB’s limited pool of uncapped Indian players, the management is likely to back Joshitha for another season, trusting his development with experienced bowlers like Perry and Renuka Singh (if preserved later). Retaining her would also ensure that RCB continues to nurture local talent.

This article was first published in WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.