RCB find spark after Ellyse Perry’s exit as all-rounder bats at 245 strike rate ahead of WPL 2026

India all-rounder Arundhati Reddy produced the best innings of her career during the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram. Coming in at a tough moment, the 28-year-old smashed 27 runs off just 11 balls and helped India reach 175 for 7, after captain Harmanpreet Kaur had steadied the innings in the middle order.

Arundhati Reddy's cameo during fifth T20I vs Sri Lanka

What made Reddy’s knock even more eye-catching was its timing. It came just hours after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were faced a major blow, with Australian star Ellyse Perry withdrawing from the upcoming edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 due to personal reasons. Perry’s exit leaves a big gap in the RCB squad.

Batting at number eight, Reddy showed great intent, scoring at a strike rate of over 245. She smashed four boundaries and one six and remained unbeaten on 27 which is her highest score for India in T20 internationals so far. She also made an impact with the ball, striking in her very first over of the second innings to dismiss Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu.

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RCB picked Reddy for INR 75 lakh

Earlier this month, Reddy was picked up by RCB for INR 75 lakh at the WPL auction. Although she did not get a chance to play for India during the World Cup, she still made her presence felt on the field. One moment that stood out was her full-length diving catch to remove Sharmin Akhter against Bangladesh.

With Perry set to miss the WPL, RCB can now look to Reddy as a strong option in the upcoming season. The franchise has named Sayali Satghare as Perry’s replacement, who joined the team at her reserve price of INR 30 lakh.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals have also been affected by a late withdrawal. Annabel Sutherland has pulled out of WPL 2026 for personal reasons, with DC bringing in Australian spinner Alana King as her replacement at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh.