Bengaluru: Amid talks of RCB’s potential ownership changes, Royal Challengers Bangalore have announced a significant update for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. The franchise has parted ways with foreign head coach Luke Williams due to his ongoing commitments with the Big Bash League, and has promoted a domestic coach to take charge. Melolan Rangarajan, who has been associated with RCB in various roles for the past six years, will now serve as the head coach for WPL 2026.
Rangarajan’s Journey to Head Coach
Rangarajan, a former Tamil Nadu Ranji player, has been with RCB for six years and has spent the last two seasons as the assistant coach of the women’s team. With Luke Williams focusing on his Big Bash League duties as head coach of the Adelaide Strikers, RCB management entrusted Rangarajan with the top role for the next WPL season, which is set to begin in January.
Team Performance Under Williams
Williams joined RCB’s women’s team in 2024 and led them to the WPL 2024 title, but the team slipped to fourth place in WPL 2025. Ahead of the next season, RCB has released its retainer list, retaining only four players: Smriti Mandhana, Alice Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyaanka Patil. The team also holds a right-to-match card for use in the upcoming WPL Players Auction.
Captain Mandhana Welcomes the Appointment
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her excitement over Rangarajan’s promotion, saying, “I have a great rapport with him. I enjoy discussing cricket with him, and his positive influence over the team over the last three years has been remarkable. I’m confident that together, we’ll achieve success in the upcoming season.”
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.