Ellyse Perry pulls out of WPL 2026, Big setback for RCB ahead of season

Australia's star player Ellyse Perry has pulled out of the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season, dealing a significant blow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) just ahead of the tournament. The Australian all-rounder has withdrawn due to personal reasons, with the franchise confirming her unavailability for the season. 

Perry has been one of the most high-profile names in the league and a central figure in RCB’s plans, making her late exit a major talking point as teams finalize their squads. The development comes at a crucial time, with the WPL set to begin from January third week and franchises looking to settle combinations and roles. RCB have named Sayali Satghare as a replacement for Perry and she will join RCB at her reserve price of INR 30 lakh. 

Moreover, Delhi Capitals (DC)’s Annabel Sutherland have pulled out of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. She will be replaced by Australian leg-spinner Alana King and she will join at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh.

How badly will Ellyse Perry’s absence hit RCB?

Ellyse Perry’s absence will be felt most for RCB in terms of balance. She offered RCB flexibility with team selection, allowing the side to strengthen either batting or bowling depending on conditions. Her ability to bat in the top order and deliver crucial overs gave the team a safety net that is difficult to replicate. 

Without her, RCB may need to rely more heavily on specialists, which could affect overall team balance. However, Sayali Satghare is a like-for-like replacement for Perry since she is an all-rounder. On the other hand, the Capitals will also miss the services of Sutherland. She is an incredible cricketer and has performed well in the previous seasons. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Georgia Voll, Linsey Smith, Dayalan Hemalatha, Prema Rawat, Gautami Nayak, Prathyoosha Kumar, Sayali Satghare 

Delhi Capitals (DC) squad: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Shree Charani, Laura Wolvaardt, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Lizelle Lee, Taniya Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Deeya Yadav, Madiwala Mamatha, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King

Where to watch WPL 2026 matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the WPL 2026 matches online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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