Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) endured a forgettable WPL 2025 after being crowned champions in 2024. They failed to qualify for the playoffs and lost five of their eight matches. As a result, RCB will be eager to stage a strong comeback in WPL 2026 under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana.
However, the task will not be easy, as their star all-rounder, Ellyse Perr,y has pulled out of the upcoming edition due to personal reasons. Her absence will certainly be a big blow. Still, RCB possess a strong and versatile squad with areas of strength, along with a few concerns that could put them under pressure.
Here is a SWOT analysis of the RCB squad ahead of the new season.
Strength
Strong batting unit with quality finishers
RCB’s batting unit is likely to be their biggest X-factor in WPL 2026. Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll are expected to open the innings, providing a left-hand–right-hand combination at the top.
The middle order is packed with explosive finishers. Richa Ghosh is a confirmed choice at number four as the wicketkeeper-batter. She can be followed by Australia’s Grace Harris and South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk. Harris is known for her power-hitting, while de Klerk impressed with her power-hitting and consistency during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 for South Africa.
Strong spin-bowling resources
RCB also have a wide range of spin options at their disposal. The squad includes Prema Rawat (leg-spinner), Shreyanka Patil (off-spinner), Radha Yadav, and Linsey Smith (left-arm orthodox). This variety gives Mandhana the flexibility to pick combinations based on conditions and opposition.
Weakness
Absence of Ellyse Perry at number three
Ellyse Perry has been a key figure at the number three position over the last three seasons. Her ability to play both anchor and aggressor roles made her a crucial part of RCB’s batting line-up.
With Perry unavailable, the question remains as to who will take on that responsibility. RCB could look at Dayalan Hemalatha or Gautami Naik. Hemalatha, however, has struggled with consistency in recent years, both in the WPL and international cricket. Consistency is vital at number three, regardless of format.
Gautami Naik has shown promise, mainly as an opener in domestic cricket, especially in the Maharashtra Premier League. RCB could try her in that role, but it remains an untested option.
Opportunity
Stage for redemption and key impressions
This WPL presents a huge opportunity for Shreyanka Patil. Despite limited competitive cricket over the last one-and-a-half years, RCB showed faith by retaining her. After returning from a long injury layoff, she played a few domestic matches and featured in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). The WPL, however, demands much higher intensity, and her fitness will be tested. A strong season could help her make a comeback into the senior India Women’s setup.
Prema Rawat is also returning from injury and has impressed recently for India A, particularly during the Australia tour. She could emerge as a leg-spin option India have been searching for.
Players like Georgia Voll, Lauren Bell, and Linsey Smith will also look to make the most of their chances and leave a lasting impression.
For Smriti Mandhana, this season is both a challenge and an opportunity. Without Perry’s presence on and off the field, Mandhana will need to be sharp in pressure situations, especially after a poor season last year.
Threat
Fitness concerns
Fitness remains a major concern for RCB. Pooja Vastrakar’s availability is uncertain. She has been sidelined since the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and has struggled to make a full comeback. Although she played a few domestic matches, there has been no clear update on her rehabilitation. Her availability for the season remains unclear, making fitness a potential threat for RCB.
Full squad
Smriti Mandhana (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Prathyoosha Kumar, D. Hemalatha
Also Read: WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians — SWOT Analysis
