RCB turns to a familiar face to lead its women’s team
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has officially appointed Malolan Rangarajan as the head coach of its women’s team ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. The decision marks a pivotal transition for the reigning WPL champions, as Rangarajan replaces outgoing coach Luke Williams, who stepped down due to scheduling conflicts with his role at the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.
🚨 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Malolan Rangarajan, a key member of the RCB support staff for the last 6 years in various roles, has now been appointed as 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛 for the upcoming WPL cycle.
More details, and WPL retentions announcement soon… 🤩#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/PLiDY9sxef
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 6, 2025
Having been part of the RCB setup since 2019, Malolan brings with him a wealth of experience from within the franchise. His tenure includes stints as head of scouting and, most recently, as assistant coach for the RCB Women’s team for two consecutive seasons. Under his and Williams’ leadership, and in partnership with captain Smriti Mandhana, RCB clinched their maiden WPL title in 2024 — the first trophy in the club’s history.
Deep roots in the franchise and domestic cricket
A former first-class cricketer, Malolan represented Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, claiming 136 wickets and scoring over 1,300 runs during his playing career. Since retiring in 2019, he has steadily climbed the coaching ranks within RCB’s men’s and women’s setups, working alongside top coaches such as Sanjay Bangar, Mike Hesson, and Andy Flower. His wide-ranging experience has made him a key figure behind the scenes, especially in identifying emerging talent through RCB’s hinterland scouting program.
With the 2026 WPL season starting earlier than usual — due to India co-hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup — and a mega auction on the horizon, Rangarajan steps into his new role at a critical moment.
“I’m very excited and honoured to be appointed head coach of the women’s team. I want to acknowledge Luke’s contribution and impact, which led to RCB’s title win in 2024. The upcoming mega auction presents an exciting challenge, giving us the chance to shape the next phase of the squad while having a strong core to consider for retentions,” Malolan said in a statement released by the franchise.
Player and management confidence in new leadership
Rangarajan’s close working relationship with team captain Smriti Mandhana is expected to be a major asset in the transition. The two have worked together for the past three years, and their chemistry is viewed as foundational to RCB’s WPL plans moving forward.
Mandhana expressed her full support for the appointment, stating, “I want to congratulate Malolan Rangarajan on his appointment as Head Coach of RCB in the WPL. I share great rapport with him and I’ve enjoyed our cricketing discussions. He’s been a positive influence on the girls over the last three years and I’m confident of working well together, leading RCB to success in the upcoming season.”
Malolan echoed that sentiment in his own remarks, emphasizing continuity and team cohesion.
“Over the past three years, I’ve developed a great working relationship with Smriti, as well as the coaching and support staff, and I look forward to continuing that partnership to deliver the success that RCB fans deserve,” he said.
RCB COO Rajesh Menon also endorsed the decision in an official franchise statement, highlighting Malolan’s long-standing role in shaping the team’s identity. “Malolan has been integral to RCB’s growth story, and his transition to Head Coach is a natural progression. Having been part of the RCB Women’s team’s core group since the inaugural season, he brings deep familiarity with the team’s culture. This aligns with our vision for the club, and Malo understands RCB’s distinctive style of play.”
A strategic shift ahead of the WPL mega auction
RCB is expected to make significant moves in the upcoming WPL 2026 mega auction. The franchise, which released several high-profile players after the 2025 season, is preparing to rebuild around a core group that reflects its evolving strategy. With a new coaching setup and renewed clarity of direction, Rangarajan’s leadership will be central to shaping the team’s future.
As the countdown to WPL 2026 begins, RCB has made a clear statement of intent — placing its trust in a homegrown leader to carry forward the momentum of past success and build a sustainable path forward.
