RCB WPL 2026 retentions. The dust of last season has barely settled, but the chess moves for the next Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 are already underway. For fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the wait is over.
The big question on everyone’s mind: How do you build on a historic, title-winning campaign? The answer, it seems, is by doubling down on your champions.
On November 6, 2025, RCB officially laid its foundation for WPL 2026. The message is loud and clear: the core that brought home the coveted trophy is here to stay. In a move that screams both confidence and strategic genius, the franchise has retained four of its biggest match-winners, creating a formidable spine ahead of the mega auction.
The Unshakeable Four: RCB’s Pillars of Strength
Before heading into the high-stakes drama of the mega auction, RCB has secured a blend of leadership, global experience, explosive firepower, and homegrown talent. This isn’t just a list of players—it’s a statement of intent.
Here are the four pillars of RCB WPL 2026 retentions:
- Smriti Mandhana (Captain)
- Ellyse Perry (All-rounder)
- Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Shreyanka Patil (All-rounder)
A Captain’s Call: Smriti Mandhana Leads the Charge
Was there ever any doubt? Retaining skipper Smriti Mandhana was perhaps the easiest decision for RCB management. At ₹3.5 crore, she remains not just the team’s most expensive player but its undisputed leader.
Mandhana isn’t just an aggressive left-handed opener who can dismantle bowling attacks; she’s also a tactically brilliant captain. She marshaled her troops to a glorious WPL 2024 victory, combining calm demeanor with sharp strategic thinking—a crucial anchor for the team.
The All-Round Superstars: Perry and Ghosh
Ellyse Perry: The G.O.A.T. Stays Home
What more can be said about Ellyse Perry? She’s a living legend. Retained for ₹2 crore, Perry is fresh off winning the Orange Cap in the 2024 season and continues to prove she’s at the absolute peak of her powers. Her ability to score crucial runs, take key wickets, and excel in the field makes her a complete T20 package.
Keeping a multiple-time World Cup winner in your ranks isn’t just smart—it’s essential for building a winning culture.
Richa Ghosh: The Future is Now
If Perry represents legendary experience, Richa Ghosh, retained for ₹2.75 crore, is the electrifying future. Known for fearless, explosive batting, she’s the finisher every team dreams of.
Her composure in high-pressure situations and sharp skills behind the stumps make her one of the most promising young players in global women’s cricket. Head coach Malolan Rangarajan has tipped her as a future leader, making her retention a strategic masterstroke.
The Local Hero: Shreyanka Patil’s Fairytale Continues
Bengaluru-born off-spinner Shreyanka Patil was the breakout star of WPL 2024. Winning the Purple Cap as the highest wicket-taker and delivering a match-winning spell of 4/12 in the final etched her name into RCB folklore.
Retained for just ₹60 lakh, Patil represents phenomenal value. Beyond her bowling, she embodies local pride and the Indian core strategy that franchises are increasingly emphasizing.
The War Chest: RCB’s Strategy Ahead of the Mega Auction
With these four superstars secured for a total of ₹8.85 crore, RCB is left with a healthy purse of ₹6.15 crore and one Right To Match (RTM) card for the auction.
The RTM card allows RCB to reclaim a former player by matching another team’s bid—a strategic advantage that could prove decisive. Combined with their existing retained core, this gives new head coach Malolan Rangarajan the flexibility to add the perfect supporting cast around the champions.
Extra Insights: Why These Retentions Matter
- Leadership & Experience: Mandhana and Perry provide stability and global experience.
- Youth & Firepower: Ghosh represents energy, talent, and finishing ability for the next decade.
- Local Pride & Balance: Patil strengthens the Indian core while maintaining franchise identity.
- Auction Flexibility: Remaining purse and RTM card allow RCB to bid strategically for overseas stars and emerging talent.
This approach ensures RCB isn’t just defending a title—they’re laying the foundation for sustained dominance.
Final Thoughts
RCB isn’t resting on the laurels of its 2024 triumph. With the RCB WPL 2026 retentions of Mandhana, Perry, Ghosh, and Patil, the Red & Gold army has sent a clear message: the champions are reloading for another title run.
The WPL 2026 mega auction just got a whole lot more interesting. With the spine of the team secured, it’s now a game of strategy, patience, and smart bidding. Fans can expect a thrilling season where leadership, experience, and youthful exuberance combine to chase glory once again.
