It was an eventful day in Mumbai as the Royal Challengers Bangalore went shopping in the Women’s Premier League 2024 Auction. After some intense shuffle of paddles, a few big names being fought over with all zeal, we have our Class of 2024 all set to roar.

The first pick of the day for the Royal Challengers Bangalore was Australian leg-spinner, Georgia Wareham, who was signed at her base price of INR 40 lakh. With the experience of playing for Australia, Wareham brings in a whole new spectrum of some lethal leg-spin to the side and explosive hitting down the order.

Another experienced player who was signed at the auction was England pacer, Kate Cross. Bought at INR 30 lakh, Cross brings along with her the playing tales at Brisbane Heat, Lancashire, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Sapphires and Velocity women. She also brings forth her ability to lead the fast-bowling department, apart from doubling up as a reliable new ball partner to Renuka Singh.

Next up was the battle for a reliable Indian spinner, Ekta Bisht. With 42 T20Is under her belt, and with a flatter trajectory that precedes her whiplash release, Bisht’s inclusion in hallowed Red and Gold threads for a price of INR 60 lakh can be a game-changing move.

RCB also signed Karnataka all-rounder Shubha Satheesh, who was recently picked in India’s Test team against England. She was bought for INR 10 lakh. The side’s batting was also bolstered by the addition of Sabbhineni Meghana from the accelerated auction for INR 30 lakh. Talented all-rounder Simran Dil Bahadur was also roped in for INR 30 lakh, and rounding off the slots as the final pick was Australia’s Sophie Molineux (INR 30 lakh), who has proved her worth as a quality all-rounder in the WBBL.

Full Squad: Asha Shobana, Disha Kasat, Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Indrani Roy, Kanika Ahuja, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana (C), Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, Kate Cross, Ekta Bisht, Shubha Satheesh, S Meghana, Simran Bahadur, Sophie Molineux.