WPL - Retention | Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru — WPL 2026 Retentions

RCB retained their iconic Indian core — Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil — and their talismanic overseas all-rounder Ellyse Perry ahead of WPL 2026.

Retained: 4

Core continuity strategy

Retained players

Smriti Mandhana

India · Captain · Opener

Elegant stroke-maker and captain; provides class and leadership up top. Key in powerplays and brand face of RCB WPL.

Ellyse Perry

Australia ✈ · All-rounder

Legendary all-rounder whose calm authority anchors both innings. Offers control with ball and stability with bat.

Richa Ghosh

India · Wicketkeeper-batter

Fearless finisher who can change games in overs 17-20. Adds explosive lower-order muscle to RCB’s lineup.

Shreyanka Patil

India · All-rounder

Emerging spin all-rounder and breakout star of last season. Key middle-overs option and long-term asset.

Tactical snapshot

RCB stuck with their trusted quartet — maintaining batting depth and spin balance. The auction focus now shifts to pace bowling depth and an Indian finisher backup.

Deep analysis & retention review

Overview: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have opted for stability. By retaining four proven performers — including captain Smriti Mandhana and global star Ellyse Perry — RCB signal belief in their core and continuity heading into 2026.

Retention rationale

• Leadership continuity: Mandhana’s retention ensures strategic stability and cultural consistency.
• Overseas value: Perry’s dual-skill influence reduces risk; she balances middle overs with calm leadership.
• Domestic backbone: Richa Ghosh and Shreyanka Patil represent the present-future spine of RCB’s Indian core.

XI shapes & match plans

Scenario	Probable approach
Bat-heavy XI	Mandhana, Perry and Richa form engine room; extra spinner replaces seamer depending on pitch.
Bowling-friendly pitch	Shreyanka in all XIs; two overseas bowlers + Perry covers balance.
Power-hitting strategy	Richa promoted; auction-bought Indian finisher adds late acceleration.

Strengths

• Experienced leadership core — Mandhana + Perry provide tactical intelligence.
• Explosive lower order — Richa Ghosh ensures finishing ability missing in early seasons.
• Emerging Indian star — Shreyanka Patil strengthens domestic balance and offers flexibility.

Weaknesses & risks

• Pace department thin: No Indian pacer retained; auction must address death-over options.
• Dependency on top 4: Lack of tested No 5/6 Indian batter could hurt if early wickets fall.
• Over-reliance on Perry’s form: A single overseas injury alters team equilibrium.

Likely auction targets

• Strike bowler — Indian or overseas quick for powerplay breakthroughs.
• Backup all-rounder — to rotate with Perry or Shreyanka on slow tracks.
• Lower-order Indian batter — finisher to complement Richa.
• Specialist wrist-spinner — for turning tracks.

Final verdict

RCB’s 2026 retention strategy is conservative yet calculated. It secures core stability and trusted leadership. If they nail their auction pace selections, this lineup could finally translate potential into consistent playoff contention.

Reference table

Player	Role
Smriti Mandhana	Captain · Opener
Ellyse Perry	All-rounder (✈ Australia)
Richa Ghosh	Wicketkeeper-batter
Shreyanka Patil	All-rounder

Analysis based on RCB’s official retention list and past season performances. Auction strategy and form updates will refine projected strengths closer to WPL 2026.

Short News — RCB retention review

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