Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced former Tamil Nadu spinner Malolan Rangarajan as the new head coach of their women’s team ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. The appointment marks a new chapter for the defending champions as they prepare for the fourth edition of the league.
Rangarajan takes over from Australian coach Luke Williams, who led RCB during the 2024 season but will not be available for the upcoming campaign due to his commitments with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. RCB confirmed the news through their official X handle, stating, “Malolan Rangarajan, a key member of the RCB support staff for the last six years in various roles, has now been appointed as head coach for the upcoming WPL cycle.”
A Familiar Face Takes Charge
Rangarajan’s appointment is seen as a natural progression within the franchise, given his long-standing association with RCB. The former Tamil Nadu all-rounder has been deeply involved with the team’s strategy and player development across both the men’s and women’s setups. His journey with RCB began in a support role and gradually evolved into more influential coaching responsibilities.
Having already been part of the RCB Women’s setup since the league’s inception, Rangarajan was instrumental as assistant coach during their triumphant WPL 2024 campaign, where the team clinched their maiden title under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana. His elevation to the head coach role reflects the franchise’s trust in his tactical acumen, understanding of player dynamics, and commitment to building a cohesive unit capable of sustaining success.
WPL 2026 to Begin Earlier Than Usual
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League will be held earlier than in previous years, running from January to February. This scheduling change comes as India is set to co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka during the February-March window. The rescheduling ensures players and fans can enjoy both marquee tournaments without overlap.
For RCB, the early start means limited preparation time but also a fresh opportunity to defend their title under new leadership. With Rangarajan at the helm, the team will look to maintain the winning culture established in 2024 and continue promoting young Indian talent alongside global stars. His promotion reinforces RCB’s belief in internal growth and continuity, aiming to build on the success and momentum that brought them their first WPL trophy just a year ago.
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