Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2024 WPL champions, have retained a strong four-player core ahead of the 2026 mega auction. The franchise has successfully held onto Australian cricket legend Ellyse Perry, who is not only widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time but was also a key factor in the team's past success.
RCB retain five stars for WPL 2026
The Indian core of the squad remains intact with the retention of captain Smriti Mandhana and dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, both vital members of India's World Cup-winning team. Additionally, young spinner Shreyanka Patil—who famously won the Purple Cap during RCB's title-winning run—has been retained despite missing the previous season due to injury.
Surprising releases from World Cup-Winning squad
Despite retaining several World Cup winners, RCB made the surprising decision to release two players who were part of India's victorious World Cup team. This list notably includes star pacer Renuka Singh, who had been with the franchise since the inaugural season. Also let go was Sneh Rana, who had made a positive impact on the team during the 2025 season after stepping in as an injury replacement for Shreyanka Patil. These strategic releases indicate the franchise's desire to reshuffle their overseas and bowling attack ahead of the auction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's retention list:
Smriti Mandhana - Rs. 3.5 crore
Ellyse Perry - Rs. 2 crore
Richa Ghosh - Rs. 2.75 crore
Shreyanka Patil - Rs. 60 lakh
Purse Remaining: Rs. 6.15 crore
RCB's released players' list:
Charlie Dean, Danni Wyatt, Ekta Bisht, Georgia Wareham, Heather Graham, Jagravi Pawar, Joshitha V J, Kanika Ahuja, Kim Garth, Nuzhat Parween, Prema Rawat, Raghvi Bist, Renuka Singh, Sabbineni Meghana, Sneh Rana
Purse Left: Rs. 6.15 Crore
RTMs Left: 1