Can RCB Win 2nd WPL Title in 2026? Smriti Mandhana's Captaincy Faces Test Without Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) scripted history in WPL 2024 by lifting their maiden title under Smriti Mandhana's leadership, beating Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final. Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine were pivotal, powering the team with runs and wickets. But as WPL 2026 kicks off, fans wonder: Can RCB win a 2nd WPL title without these stars? With Mandhana's captaincy in sharp focus post her personal life upheavals, RCB aims to rebound from a disappointing 2025 fourth-place finish.

The 2025 season was a reality check. After early wins over Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals, RCB crumbled, winning just three of eight games and missing playoffs. Now, in WPL 2026—featuring doubleheaders, new captains, and 22 matches across two venues—the stakes are higher amid evolving women's cricket trends.

Smriti Mandhana's Leadership Challenge Post-Marriage Call-Off

Smriti Mandhana's captaincy takes center stage in RCB WPL 2026. Fresh from calling off her wedding to Palash Muchhal in November 2025—right after India's ODI World Cup triumph—she returned strongly, smashing 80 off 42 balls in the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka with a 162-run opening stand alongside Shafali Verma.

This marks her first major tournament post-breakup. Mandhana has just four fifties across three WPL seasons, so maintaining batting form while rebuilding the squad will test her mettle. Why now? Women's cricket is booming post-2024 Olympics hype and IPL's global pull, making WPL 2026 a proving ground for Indian stars like her.

Filling Big Shoes: Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine Gaps

Ellyse Perry's absence due to personal reasons hurts deepest—she was RCB's top scorer and fourth-highest wicket-taker in 2024. Sophie Devine, not retained, joins Gujarat Giants alongside Renuka Singh. RCB's auction response?

• Openers: Georgia Voll (Australia) and uncapped Gautami Naik step up. Naik shone as third-highest scorer in 2025 Maharashtra Premier League.
  
  

• All-round firepower: Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar (back from injury rehab), and Arundhati Reddy.
  
  

• Bowling boosts: England's Lauren Bell for new-ball swing, Radha Yadav for spin (underused at Delhi Capitals before), and Shreyanka Patil.
  
  

Sayali Satghare replaces Perry but faces tough XI entry.

Players to Watch and Squad Strengths

Eyes on breakout stars. Pooja Vastrakar, absent since October 2024, could dominate with bat and ball. Radha Yadav brings dual skills, while Gautami Naik eyes top-order runs.

RCB Strengths:

• Power-packed middle order: Harris, Richa Ghosh (wk), de Klerk, Vastrakar, Radha.
  
  

• Spin depth: Radha, Shreyanka, de Klerk.
  
  

• Finishing prowess for big totals if top order clicks.
  
  

Weaknesses:

• Top-order inexperience without Perry/Devine support.
  
  

• Pace relies heavily on Bell; limited backups.
  
  

Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Grace Harris, Richa Ghosh (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell.

Can RCB Claim Back-to-Back Glory?

RCB WPL 2026 hinges on Mandhana's captaincy blending new talent seamlessly. With strong finishers and spin, playoffs look possible if openers fire. Expert take: Former India coach WV Raman notes, "Mandhana's composure post-personal setbacks could inspire a turnaround, but top-order stability is key in T20s."

For fans, this season tests if RCB can sustain momentum in women's cricket's golden era. Tune in—glory awaits the bold.