Anya Shrubsole joins RCB as assistant coach ahead of WPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) have officially onboarded former England Women’s medium pacer Anya Shrubsole as their assistant coach ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)’s 2026 edition. The 2024 champions have made this move in a bid to add a massive experience and skill set to their coaching staff.

The side, which has been led by Smriti Mandhana over the last three seasons, found success in the 2024 season, where they beat the Delhi Capitals Women in the finals to lift the maiden T20 trophy for the franchise. Anya’s medium-pace experience will be doing a world of good to the Bengaluru-based franchise, as they bid to lift their second title in the WPL history.

“A proven champion, now stepping up to guide our girls. Join us in welcoming Anya Shrubsole – former England pacer, 2017 Women’s World Cup winner, and Player of the Match in the final – as RCB’s Assistant Coach in the Tata WPL Anya’s rich experience and champion mentality will take RCB’s Play Bold philosophy forward,” RCB wrote in a statement on social media.

Anya brings a wealth of experience and leadership: Malolan Rangarajan

“Anya brings with her a wealth of experience and leadership. She will oversee our bowling unit and serve as an integral member of our think tank. I have no doubt she will settle in seamlessly with the group and make a significant impact both on and off the field,” RCB Women head coach Malolan Rangarajan said in an official statement upon the announcement.

A veteran of English cricket, Anya has represented England Women in 173 matches across all three formats. In WT20Is, she scalped 102 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.22, while conceding runs at just 5.95, making her one of the most lethal bowlers during her active days in international cricket. In 50-over cricket, she has 106 wickets from 86 matches. She also played a total of eight Test matches.