The Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise has made a massive impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with their strong fanbase and electrifying performance on the field. However, they are now set to make an even bigger statement in the world of women’s cricket with the inception of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. In the first-ever WPL auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore spent a whopping 11.9 crores to assemble a dream team that comprises of some of the biggest names in women’s cricket.
Thanks to months of thorough research and scouting, RCB had a clear-cut plan going into the auction. The team’s scouting process was guided by the principle of multiple eyes and multiple times, and led by former India cricketer Vanitha VR, who brought her vast experience and knowledge of the domestic circuit to the table.
Meet the Owners
Royal Challengers Bangalore is owned by United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of the Diageo Group, with Prathmesh Mishra serving as the chairman of the franchise.
Here’s a closer look at the players who will be donning the Royal Challengers Bangalore jersey in the first-ever WPL season:
- Smriti Mandhana (INR 3.40 CR) – The most expensive buy of the WPL auction, the Indian opener and two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year was the centerpiece of RCB’s plan.
- Ellyse Perry (INR 1.70 CR) – The Australian all-rounder adds international experience to the RCB squad.
- Megan Schutt (INR 40 Lakh) – The Australian medium pacer adds fire to the RCB bowling attack.
- Sophie Devine (INR 50 Lakh) – The New Zealand skipper brings a winning mentality to the team.
- Heather Knight (INR 40 Lakh) – The England skipper adds more international experience to the middle order.
- Dane Van Niekerk (INR 30 Lakh) – The South African all-rounder adds versatility to the team.
- Richa Ghosh (INR 1.90 CR) – The young and talented Indian wicket-keeper has a bright future ahead of her.
- Renuka Singh (INR 1.50 CR) – The right-arm pacer adds more depth to the Indian contingent.
- Asha Shobana (INR 10 Lakh) – The wrist-spinner is one of the raw talents from India that RCB is giving a chance to.
- Shreyanka Patil (INR 10 Lakh) – The promising off-spinner from India adds more spin options to the team.
- Kanika Ahuja (INR 35 Lakh) – The all-rounder from India adds versatility to the middle order.
- Erin Burns (INR 30 lakh ) – The Australian all-rounder Erin Burns brings a fiery and aggressive approach to the field, providing solid middle-order batting and handy off-spin bowling.
- Disha Kasat (INR 10 lakhs ) -The young and dynamic batter, adds depth to the RCB batting lineup with her fearless approach at the crease.
- Indrani Roy (INR 10 lakh ) -The wicket-keeping talent brings a solid glove-work and sharp reflexes to the team.
- Preeti Bose (INR 30 lakh ) – The talented pacer adds a potent bowling attack to the RCB squad with her exceptional swing and pace.
- Poonam Khemnar (INR 10 lakh ) – The versatile all-rounder, brings a fresh dynamic to the RCB squad with her wide range of skills on the field.
- Komal Zanzad (INR 25 lakh ) – The fast bowler, adds versatility to RCB’s attack with her sharp swing and accuracy.
- Sahana Pawar (INR 10 lakh ) – The young and promising pacer, adds depth to RCB’s bowling attack with her raw pace and swing.
Coaching Staff
At the helm of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s WPL team is the director of cricket operations, Mike Hesson. He joined the franchise in 2019 and has worked hard to revamp the side in the last couple of years. Hesson has now taken on the added responsibility of leading the women’s team to success in the WPL 2023.
Unfortunately, Royal Challengers Bangalore has yet to announce their coaching staff for the inaugural season of the WPL 2023. Nevertheless, with the impressive lineup of players and a strong leadership team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore WPL team is poised for success and set to make a huge impact in the world of women’s cricket.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson, emphasized the team’s commitment to giving more opportunities to raw talents from India, and this is evident in the signings of Shobana, Patil, and Ahuja.
According to Prathmesh Mishra, chairman of RCB, the team is a mix of experienced and bold players who embody the “Play Bold” philosophy. The mix of young and dynamic talents will give the team the flexibility to experiment and take bold approaches, and the enthusiastic response from fans since the auction shows that RCB has hit the mark.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s WPL Dream Team is a testament to the franchise’s commitment to growing and supporting women’s cricket. With a solid mix of local and international players and a strong leadership team, the RCB WPL team is set to make a huge impact in the inaugural season of the WPL 2023. Get ready to witness a thrilling ride as the RCB WPL team takes the field and sets the stage alight!
Read more : Smriti Mandhana: The Most Expensive Player of WPL Auction 2023
