Royal Challengers Bengaluru have made one of their most decisive strategic calls ahead of the WPL 2026 season, appointing former England fast bowler Anya Shrubsole as their new bowling coach.
The move comes at a crucial moment for the franchise, which is preparing for the WPL 2026 Mega Auction and looking to correct the inconsistencies that defined their campaign last season. Shrubsole’s arrival is not merely a coaching addition it represents a shift in philosophy. RCB are moving towards a technical, specialist-led development model, especially in the pace department, an area that has struggled to deliver sustained impact since the league’s inception.
A Response to WPL 2025’s Decline
RCB entered WPL 2025 as defending champions, riding the momentum of their breakthrough 2024 title. However, the campaign that followed exposed structural weaknesses. The franchise finished fourth and missed the playoffs, unable to sustain the tactical clarity and execution that defined their maiden triumph.
The most glaring concern was the fast-bowling unit. While RCB continued to derive value from their spin resources particularly Shreyanka Patil, who has grown into one of India’s premier young spinners they lacked penetration and consistency with the new ball and struggled repeatedly at the death. Renuka Singh Thakur, expected to lead the pace attack, finished with a modest wicket return across two seasons, and the team found no reliable Indian alternative to complement overseas seam options.
Shrubsole’s appointment is a direct intervention targeted at this weakness.
As a player, Anya Shrubsole delivered some of the most defining spells in women’s cricket. Her 6/46 in the 2017 ODI World Cup final remains one of the great World Cup performances a masterclass in swing bowling under extreme pressure. Across formats, she finished with over 200 international wickets, developing a reputation for clarity of execution and strength in high-stakes scenarios.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2022, Shrubsole has transitioned into coaching roles with Southern Vipers and Southern Brave in England. Her approach is rooted in technical precision, rhythm management, ball-shaping control, and scenario-based pressure training. For a team like RCB talented but fragile in decisive phases this is exactly the skill set required.
The appointment is deliberately timed. With the retention deadline and mega auction shaping squad identity for the next two years, RCB wanted their bowling coach in place early enough to influence personnel decisions. This is particularly relevant for Renuka Singh, who remains central to the franchise’s plans. Shrubsole’s mentorship offers a structured path for Renuka to refine her swing through longer spells and build a stronger tactical identity in the powerplay instead of being reduced to containment and support roles.
Just as importantly, Shrubsole provides RCB with recruitment clarity: the franchise must invest in a death-overs specialist, preferably Indian to preserve overseas flexibility. Variations, wide-yorker patterns, and mental composure late in innings will be high on the development and recruitment agenda.
A Complement to the New Leadership Structure
Shrubsole will work alongside newly elevated head coach Malolan Rangarajan, who steps up after Luke Williams stepped away due to scheduling conflicts with the WBBL. Rangarajan brings continuity and tactical depth, while Shrubsole brings fresh technical specificity and world-class competitive experience. It is a balanced coaching ecosystem rather than a reset. Rangarajan’s background as a spinner and strategic planner pairs well with Shrubsole’s pace expertise allowing RCB to avoid the common issue of one discipline receiving disproportionate developmental focus.
Perhaps the most valuable asset Shrubsole brings is the psychology of pressure. RCB across both their men’s and women’s teams have long carried the reputation of falling short in defining moments. Shrubsole has built her legacy on performing precisely in those moments. If that mindset transfers, the impact could be transformational. The Mega Auction will test how firmly RCB commit to this direction. Their decisions on retention, RTM use, and Indian pace investment will determine whether Shrubsole’s appointment becomes foundational or merely cosmetic.
WPL 2026 Retentions: Tough Calls Ahead as Teams Balance Legacy, Form, and Future
But the intent is unmistakable: RCB want to build a pace identity, not outsource it to overseas all-rounders. They want to develop bowlers who dictate conditions rather than respond to them.
For the first time since their WPL entry, there is a clear blueprint. And it starts with the ball.
