Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) disappointed Women’s Premier League (WPL) Failed to qualify for the playoffs despite entering the 2025 season, as defending champions.
RCB has a tough campaign on WPL 2025
Their campaign, which had started with great expectations, was quickly derailed by poor form and injuries. The team suffered a mid-season slump, suffering five consecutive losses that significantly diminished their playoff chances. Ultimately, they were eliminated after losing a must-win game UP Warriors By 12 runs.
A major reason behind their struggles were several narrow defeats on home soil, where they failed to finish the game despite strong starts. such as injuries to key players Shreyanka PatilAsha ShobhanaAnd Sophie Molineux This also disturbed the balance of the team, due to which frequent changes had to be made in the playing eleven.
5 players whom RCB can retain before WPL 2025
With the mega auction taking place ahead of the WPL 2026 season, the RCB management will face important decisions on retaining players. After tasting success in 2024 when they won their first WPL title, the franchise will aim to rebuild a core group capable of recapturing their dominance.
Here’s a look at five players that RCB could retain – two overseas stars, two capped Indian players and an uncapped youngster – as they prepare for a fresh start.
1. Smriti Mandhana – Leader and batting pillar
- Role: opening batsman and captain
- price in 2025: Rs 3.40 crore
- performance in 2025: 197 runs in 8 matches with 2 fifties
rcb captain Smriti Mandhana He remains the face of the franchise and a vital cog in their setup. Despite her team’s struggles, Mandhana’s leadership and experience remain invaluable. In WPL 2025, she managed to score two half-centuries and looked in good touch at times but lacked consistent support from the other end.
Apart from her runs, Mandhana’s aggressive but composed approach at the top of the order provides stability and flair to RCB. As captain, he has shown a strong tactical sense, and the management would like him to continue to lead the team during its transition phase. Retaining that will not be an easy task for RCB as they head towards another title charge.
2. Ellyse Perry – Dependable all-rounder
- Role: all-rounder
- price in 2025: Rs 1.70 crore
- performance in 2025: 197 runs in 6 matches with 1 half-century
legendary australian superstar elise perry Has been one of RCB’s most consistent overseas performers since the inception of the league. Even though she missed some games in 2025 due to injury, Perry showed her class with both bat and ball when fit. His composed batting in the middle order and ability to bowl crucial overs in pressure situations makes him an indispensable asset. Perry’s leadership experience also complements Mandhana’s captaincy, providing calm during tense moments. Given his match-winning style and the balance he brings to the team, RCB are almost certain to retain him as one of their overseas options.
Also read: WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians (MI) may retain 5 players before the Women’s Premier League mega auction
3. Richa Ghosh – Aggressive Game-Changer
- Role: wicketkeeper-batsman
- price in 2025: INR 1.90 crore
- Performance in 2025: 230 runs with 2 half-centuries in 8 matches
dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh Has been one of RCB’s standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. His fearless batting and ability to accelerate in the death overs has made him a fan favourite. In 2025, he scored 230 runs with two impressive half-centuries, often saving RCB from difficult situations.
At just 21, Ghosh has established himself as a key member of India’s T20 setup. His dual role behind the stumps and in the middle order makes him 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. Danny Wyatt-Hodge – Alien Spark
- Role:Opening Batter
- Price in 2025: 30 lakh rupees
- performance in 2025: 137 runs in 6 matches with 1 half-century
England’s opener Danny Wyatt-Hodge 2025 was a valuable addition to RCB’s top-order, offering aggressive starts in the powerplay. Although his statistics may not seem extraordinary, Wyatt’s offensive intent and experience proved vital during many matches. His adaptability to Indian conditions and proven track record in T20 cricket makes him a strong contender to be retained as RCB’s second overseas player. She provides a perfect foil to Mandhana at the top, and the pair could form one of the strongest opening partnerships in WPL 2026.
5. VJ Joshitha – Promising young fast bowler
- Role:medium fast bowler
- price in 2025: Rs 10 lakh
- performance in 2025: 4 matches, no wicket
Although VJ Joshitha Despite a successful 2025 season, the 19-year-old fast bowler remains one of RCB’s most promising uncapped talents. Despite not taking any wickets in the four matches she played, Joshita showed glimpses of potential with her control and swing movement.
Given RCB’s limited pool of uncapped Indian players, the management may back Joshita for another season, relying on his development under experienced bowlers like Perry and. Renuka Singh (If retained later). Retaining him will also ensure that RCB continues to nurture homegrown talent.
Also read: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) appoints new bowling coach ahead of WPL 2026
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
