When the Women’s Premier League (WPL) was launched in 2023, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women immediately became one of the tournament’s biggest attractions. With a passionate fan base inherited from the men’s franchise and marquee stars from around the world, expectations were enormous.
The journey, however, did not begin smoothly. RCB endured a disappointing inaugural season before scripting one of the most memorable turnarounds in WPL history by lifting their maiden title in 2024. They later added another championship in 2026, establishing themselves as one of the league’s most successful franchises.
Led by Smriti Mandhana, the Bengaluru franchise has combined world-class international talent with India’s emerging stars to become a consistent contender.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s Squad (WPL 2026)
| Player | Role | Country |
| Smriti Mandhana (Captain) | Batter | India |
| Richa Ghosh | Wicketkeeper-Batter | India |
| Georgia Voll | Batter | Australia |
| Grace Harris | All-rounder | Australia |
| Nadine de Klerk | All-rounder | South Africa |
| Pooja Vastrakar | All-rounder | India |
| Shreyanka Patil | All-rounder | India |
| Radha Yadav | All-rounder | India |
| Arundhati Reddy | All-rounder | India |
| Dayalan Hemalatha | All-rounder | India |
| Sayali Satghare | All-rounder | India |
| Gautami Naik | All-rounder | India |
| Prema Rawat | All-rounder | India |
| Lauren Bell | Bowler | England |
| Linsey Smith | Bowler | England |
| Kumar Prathyoosha | Wicketkeeper | India |
Head Coach: Malolan Rangarajan
Franchise Overview
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 2023 |
| City | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Home Ground | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium |
| League | Women’s Premier League |
| Captain | Smriti Mandhana |
| Head Coach | Malolan Rangarajan |
| WPL Titles | 2 (2024, 2026) |
WPL Journey Season by Season
WPL 2023 – A Difficult Beginning
RCB assembled one of the strongest squads on paper in the inaugural auction. Smriti Mandhana became the most expensive player in the auction, while stars such as Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Heather Knight and Richa Ghosh added significant experience.
Despite the star power, the campaign proved disappointing.
RCB lost their opening five matches and struggled to build momentum. Although they recovered with two victories towards the end of the tournament, they finished fourth among five teams and missed the playoffs.
Several batting collapses and inconsistent bowling performances prevented the team from converting close matches into victories. The season nevertheless provided valuable experience for the young Indian players.
WPL 2024 – From Strugglers to Champions
The 2024 season transformed the franchise’s fortunes.
RCB qualified for the playoffs after producing far more consistent performances throughout the league stage. Their campaign was built on contributions from multiple players rather than relying solely on overseas stars.
Some of the biggest positives included:
- Ellyse Perry winning the Orange Cap.
- Shreyanka Patil claiming the Purple Cap.
- Georgia Wareham providing valuable all-round contributions.
- Smriti Mandhana leading confidently as captain.
- Richa Ghosh finishing several matches under pressure.
The defining moment came in the final against Delhi Capitals.
After restricting Delhi Capitals to 113, RCB comfortably chased the target to win their first-ever WPL championship. The victory also marked the franchise’s first major trophy across both the men’s and women’s senior teams.
WPL 2025 – Failure to Defend the Crown
Defending a championship is rarely straightforward.
RCB experienced an inconsistent 2025 campaign and were unable to replicate their title-winning form. Injuries, fluctuating performances and stronger competition meant they finished outside the playoff positions.
Although Ellyse Perry once again enjoyed an excellent batting season, the team lacked consistency across departments and exited in the league stage.
WPL 2026 – Champions Again
RCB responded impressively in 2026.
The team finished at the top of the league table before defeating Delhi Capitals in another memorable final.
Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front throughout the tournament, finishing as the season’s highest run-scorer, while Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk and the bowling attack consistently delivered under pressure. RCB successfully chased 204 in the final to secure their second WPL title.
Key Players in RCB Women’s History
Smriti Mandhana
As captain since the inaugural season, Mandhana has been the face of the franchise. Her elegant stroke play, leadership and consistency have made her RCB’s most influential player.
Ellyse Perry
Few overseas players have had as much impact in WPL history.
Perry played a pivotal role in the 2024 championship campaign, won the Orange Cap that season, and consistently delivered with both bat and ball whenever available.
Richa Ghosh
One of India’s most exciting wicketkeeper-batters, Ghosh has repeatedly finished innings under pressure with fearless hitting and has become a vital member of the middle order.
Shreyanka Patil
The Bengaluru all-rounder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2024, earning the Purple Cap while becoming one of India’s most promising spin-bowling all-rounders.
RCB Women’s WPL Performance
| Season | Result |
| 2023 | League Stage (4th) |
| 2024 | Champions |
| 2025 | League Stage |
| 2026 | Champions |
Why RCB Women Have Become Successful
Several factors explain the franchise’s rise:
- Stable leadership under Smriti Mandhana.
- Effective blend of experienced international stars and emerging Indian talent.
- Strong scouting and player development.
- Improved bowling depth after the inaugural season.
- Consistent match-winning performances from both senior and young players.
Rather than depending on one superstar, RCB have increasingly built a balanced squad capable of winning in different conditions.
Legacy in the Women’s Premier League
Within four seasons, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have transformed from an underperforming expansion franchise into one of the WPL’s benchmark teams.
Their maiden title in 2024 ended years of anticipation for RCB supporters, while the second championship in 2026 confirmed that the success was no one-off achievement. With a strong leadership group, a talented domestic core, and proven overseas performers, the franchise appears well placed to remain among the league’s leading contenders in future seasons.
As the Women’s Premier League continues to grow, RCB Women have established themselves not only as champions but also as one of the competition’s defining teams.
Also Read: What Impact Has Ellyse Perry Had on the Australia Women’s Cricket Team?
