WPL 2026: RCB retain these four stars - three Indians, and one overseas all-rounder

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have confirmed their retention list for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, signaling their intent to build on past successes and strengthen their squad for another title challenge. They have retained Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry and Shreyanka Patil.

RCB retain Smriti, Richa, Perry, and Shreyanka

The four players retained by RCB include Indian vice-captain and star batter Smriti Mandhana, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, and promising all-rounder Shreyanka Patil. Their retention values stand at INR 3.75 crore for Mandhana, INR 2.75 crore for Ghosh, INR 2 crore for Perry, and INR 60 lakhs for Patil.

Mandhana, who captained RCB's title-winning side in the 2024 season, remains the cornerstone of the team’s batting lineup. Her leadership and consistent performances have been instrumental in asserting RCB’s dominance.

Meanwhile, Perry brings valuable international experience and all-around skills, making her a critical asset for the franchise.

Richa Ghosh continues to shine as a dynamic wicketkeeper and a powerful finisher in the middle order, while Shreyanka Patil’s skills add much-needed depth to the bowling and batting options.

Read Also: Official: RCB to be sold before March 31, 2026 - Here is the price tag for the team

“The core of our team is strong, with leadership and versatility from Mandhana and Perry, complemented by young talent like Ghosh and Patil. These retentions give us a solid foundation heading into the auction,” said an RCB spokesperson.

RCB secured their first WPL title in 2024 but faced challenges in subsequent seasons, missing out on finals in 2025. With strategic retentions, RCB aims to assemble a well-balanced side capable of reclaiming the championship in 2026.

The WPL 2026 auction, scheduled for late November in Delhi, allows teams to retain up to five players under a set retention purse system. RCB’s four retentions have left them with approximately INR 6.25 crore for auction purchases and one Right-to-Match (RTM) card to retain a previously released player at the auction.