The RCB franchise showcased a well-crafted strategy during the WPL Player Auction 2026 held in New Delhi, reminiscent of their successful approach in the IPL 2025 season. Emphasizing role-specific players and a balanced squad composition, RCB aims to fortify their team dynamics, evident from their retention of key players. The four retained players include captain Smriti Mandhana, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, all-rounder Ellyse Perry, and local star Shreyanka Patil, indicating a focus on strengthening their bowling department. The team actively pursued valuable additions, even engaging in a bidding war for Shikha Pandey before opting for more diversified options, including assertive pace bowling all-rounders Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy, alongside England's Lauren Bell, all aimed at achieving tactical flexibility ahead of the new season.
A notable move was the acquisition of emerging finisher Nadine de Klerk and promising batting talent Georgia Voll, maximally utilizing their budget while still adhering to their tactical vision. RCB management emphasized comprehensive planning concerning their brand of cricket and budgetary constraints, thereby focusing on an efficient auction strategy.
Malolan, the team strategist, highlighted that while forgoing some higher-profile players may have come with compromises, it allowed for better overall squad composition. For example, opting for de Klerk instead of the pricier Devine retained essential attributes within the budget, thus aligning with the team’s goals. RCB is particularly focused on building a cohesive squad, with familiarity among players and coaching staff facilitating a quick adaptation to the team’s ethos.
The influence of coach Luke Williams, whose prior association with Mandhana at Southern Brave fostered mutual understanding, played a vital role in the team's set-up. RCB's new recruits, including Radha and Arundhati, who come from a winning World Cup squad, add depth while contributing significantly behind the scenes. The inclusion of experienced players contributes to a more formidable fielding unit, which is a central focus for RCB.
The franchise's strategy also extends to managing players returning from injuries, reinforcing their investment in experienced players that can offer valuable skills, even if they are on the recovery path. This approach, coupled with a forward-thinking perspective—considering a short two-year cycle—allows RCB to remain competitive while laying down strong foundations for future seasons.
Overall, RCB's meticulous focus on building a balanced and deep squad with familiarity among players, along with incorporating insights from their coaching staff, demonstrates a calculated strategy aimed at enhancing their performance in the upcoming WPL season while aiming to capitalize on the franchise’s past successes.