Former England Pacer Appointed as RCB’s Assistant Coach for WPL 2026. In a significant move leading up to the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have appointed Anya Shrubsole, a former quick bowler for England and World Cup winner, to the role of assistant coach. This appointment brings one of the most respected names in women’s cricket into the RCB fold ahead of the new season.
Why is Shrubsole a perfect fit?
Shrubsole, who famously took 6/46 to win the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup final against India at Lord’s, will now lead the RCB bowling group. Having retired from international cricket in 2022, she has begun her coaching and mentoring career in England’s domestic competitions and The Hundred, where she has demonstrated her tactical knowledge and calm nature in leading the team.
RCB made this addition as part of an overall coaching restructuring and due to Luke Williams’ scheduling conflicts. RCB will now fill Williams’ role with Shrubsole, who will work directly with head coach Malolan Rangarajan and captain Smriti Mandhana to build a bowling attack for WPL 2026.
Throughout her successful career, Shrubsole played in 173 matches for England across all formats, taking 227 wickets (106 in ODIs, 102 in T20Is, and 19 in Tests), alongside 1,267 international runs with the bat. Shrubsole’s ability to swing and take wickets in pressure situations distinguished her from other players. She was the first woman to cover the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 2018.
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The RCB, who are WPL 2024 winners, want to build on their success with a stronger bowling unit. By appointing a proven leader such as Shrubsole, the RCB will continue to challenge for titles while also developing young talent.