England’s rising speed sensation lauren bell Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) became the most valuable acquisition wpl 2026 mega auctionSecuring a deal worth ₹90 lakh which underlines his rising stature in global T20 cricket. The 25-year-old right-arm fast bowler, known for his swing and bounce, has thrashed rivals like Mumbai Indians (MI) in the competitive phase, marking RCB’s top spend amid a strategic rebuild after their 2024 title triumph. Bell’s immediate reaction after the auction was filled with excitement, adding to fans’ excitement for RCB’s strong attack ahead of the WPL 2026 season.
Lauren Bell’s exciting reaction after the auction
Moments after the hammer fell, Bell shared his joy via social media, saying: “Hello everyone, I’m super excited to be joining RCB. What an amazing franchise to be a part of. I can’t wait to bring some entertainment and excitement… and play some amazing cricket. So yes, I can’t wait to meet you soon.” His words heated up the atmosphere, resonating with the ardent RCB fanbase and highlighting his eagerness to contribute to the franchise’s trophy quest.
Profile of RCB’s biggest buys in the WPL 2026 auction
Born in Swindon on 1 January 2001, Bell made his England debut in June 2022 after impressing on the domestic circuit for Hampshire and Southern Brave. With 60 T20I wickets at an average of 18.34, he has a lethal blend of pace, swing on both sides and middle-over control.
Highlights include taking five wickets in the 2024 Women’s ODI against New Zealand and a strong performance in The Hundred, where she helped the Southern Brave win the 2021 Women’s ODI. Earlier with UP Warriors, Bell reunites with her ex-Southern Brave teammate Smriti Mandhana, who promises synergy in RCB’s lineup.
Lauren Bell: A strategic fit in RCB’s pace arsenal
RCB target Bell to strengthen their seam attack and pair him with retained stars elise perry And new purchases like Nadine de Klerk (₹65 lakh) and Pooja Vastrakar (₹85 lakh). The coach and management saw him as an ideal new ball implementer, able to exploit Indian conditions with disciplined lines. This ₹90 lakh investment – up from the base ₹30 lakh – outshines other acquisitions like Arundhati Reddy (₹75 lakh), indicating confidence in her ability to lead breakthroughs in the powerplay and death overs.
Also read: Explained – Why Alyssa Healy went unsold in the WPL 2026 mega auction?
Impact on RCB’s WPL 2026 ambitions
After a challenging 2025, RCB retained Mandhana, Perry, Richa Ghosh and Shreyanka Patil, then shrewdly added spinners Radha Yadav and Lynsey Smith along with Bell. His arrival ushers in a balanced squad that blends international firepower with domestic depth, establishing RCB as title contenders. Bell’s Hundred pedigree and England form have put him in a position to thrive under Mandhana’s captaincy, raising hopes of continued success in the third edition of the league.
Bell’s acquisition and excited response ignites optimism, blending proven skills with infectious energy for RCB’s WPL journey.
Also read: Top 10 most expensive buys in WPL 2026 player auction
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
