Strong core, memorable bids: Throwback to RCB’s WPL 2026 Auction

The mercury level is already on the rise in anticipation of the upcoming WPL 2027 auction, slated for the 28th of October in Kochi. With only a few days left and before discussions heat up, here’s a quick stroll down memory lane to witness how Royal Challengers Bengaluru assembled a title-winning squad last time around.

Before the auction started, RCB retained the likes of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry and Shreyanka Patil. They had a purse of INR 6.15 crore to fill the remainder of the ranks. To RCB's dismay, Perry decided to take a year’s break for personal reasons, requiring RCB to secure necessary reinforcements.

RCB made a few early splashes trying to secure the services of Sophie Devine, Sophie Ecclestone and Laura Wolvaardt. However, none of those bids went through. Eventually, after much to and fro, it was Georgia Voll who was RCB’s first pick at INR 60 lakhs.

Moments later, it was Nadine de Klerk who was all set for a RCB return, hot on the heels of her impressive performance against India in the 2025 ICC WODI World Cup. RCB followed up signing de Klerk with talented Indian all-rounder, Radha Yadav before making a strong bid for one of the finest pacers in women’s cricket, Lauren Bell.

Bell, who left a trail of carnage in her wake in WPL 2026, being a pivotal member of RCB’s championship-winning side, was roped in for INR 90 lakh after a ferocious battle of paddles with Mumbai Indians. RCB backed Bell with another English sensation, Linsey Smith, who was secured for a steal deal of INR 30 lakh.

Following the purchase of Smith, RCB wanted to ensure that they had a good mix of youth and experience, onboarding Prema Rawat alongside the Indian pace duo of Arundhati Reddy and Pooja Vastrakar. As the war headed into a round of accelerated auction, the next illustrious name on the list was that of Grace Harris.

Harris was snapped up for INR 75 lakh followed by the inclusion of Gautami Naik who was bought for her base price of INR 10 lakh. It was time for RCB to get some local flair and Prathyoosha Kumar was the next inclusion to the glittering catalogue. The final pick of the day for RCB was Dayalan Hemalatha at the price of INR 30 lakhs.

At the end of it all, RCB crafted a very powerful and a balanced class of 2026 that went onto do wonders. Just before we wrap, here’s a quick glance at how the hallowed class of 26 looked like for RCB:

Smriti Mandhana (cap), Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Ellyse Perry*, Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav, Pooja Vastrakar, Pratyoosha Kumar, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Dayalan Hemalatha, Arundhati Reddy, Nadine de Klerk, Prema Rawat. (Sayali Satghare was brought in later to replace Pez)