Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) have officially hired Anya Shrubsole, a former England Women’s medium pacer, as their assistant coach for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. The 2024 champions have made this move in order to strengthen their coaching staff with extensive expertise and skill sets.
The side, led by Smriti Mandhana for the last three seasons, achieved victory in the 2024 season, defeating the Delhi Capitals Women in the finals to win the franchise’s first T20 trophy. Anya’s medium-pace experience would be extremely beneficial to the Bengaluru-based team as they aim to win their second WPL crown.
“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.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 📣
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… pic.twitter.com/jIbtp42tuR
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 9, 2025
Anya Shrubsole 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.
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