Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Malolan Rangarajan says Ellyse Perry’s return gives the team more balance and flexibility as they prepare for the WPL 2027 player auction.
Perry confirmed her availability in August 2026, and RCB have retained her in a 13-player core. The auction takes place on October 28 in Kochi.
The retained core
The group includes nine Indian players and four overseas players. Alongside Perry, the overseas contingent is made up of Australian opener Georgia Voll, South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk and England fast bowler Lauren Bell.
Rangarajan said Perry strengthens the side in every department. She comes in as a number three batter, he explained, which has the staff thinking about how to balance the squad and which options to target at the auction. Her ability with bat and ball also gives RCB another established choice in their combinations.
Expecting improvement
The coach welcomed the chance to keep a major core together, calling it a winning combination, but said the players are expected to improve their own performances. The auction aim, he added, is to make the team better.
The season ahead
RCB are the defending champions after winning the 2026 WPL title. The 2027 season is scheduled to run from January 14 to February 7, and the franchise will use the auction to complete its squad.
Rangarajan also thanked the supporters, saying the fans have backed the team through thick and thin and that the staff want the side to keep playing in a style that inspires them.
