RCB new coach

RCB Appoint New Head Coach: Malolan Ranagarajan Takes Over

Meet Sharma

Modified - Nov 06, 2025, 11:05 AM

3 min

Add

As Preferred Source

Malolan Rangarajan has been named the new head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming Women's Premier League season, taking over from Luke Williams, who had held the role since 2024. The next season is scheduled to begin in early January, and Williams will be focused on his responsibilities as head coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

Malolan, a former Tamil Nadu cricketer, has been associated with the RCB franchise in various roles over the past six years. For the last two seasons, he has served as the assistant coach of the women’s team and worked with some of the best women cricketers. His past experience with the franchise will come in handy in his new position.

Who is the New RCB Head Coach Ahead of WPL 2026?

The 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have announced a shift in their coaching setup ahead of the WPL 2026. After guiding the team to their maiden title in 2024, Luke Williams will step aside, making way for Malolan Rangarajan as RCB new coach.

Williams, a former South Australian cricketer, had a remarkable stint with RCB, leading the franchise to its first-ever WPL trophy in just his second season. His longtime assistant, Rangarajan, who has spent the past two years supporting the women’s team, has now been promoted to take full charge.

A seasoned domestic cricketer for Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, Rangarajan has been a key figure in RCB’s setup, contributing to both the men’s and women’s teams. Throughout his tenure, he has worked with renowned coaches and players such as Sanjay Bangar, Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Andy Flower, and Dinesh Karthik.

Rangarajan said, “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,” Rangarajan said about his appointment. “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 added.

Key Changes in RCB's Coaching Staff Ahead of WPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced key updates to their support staff ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season, appointing former England pacer Anya Shrubsole as their new bowling coach. Shrubsole, who famously played a match-winning role in England’s 2017 World Cup triumph, will be taking up her first coaching role in the WPL.

The former England vice-captain retired from international cricket in 2022, finishing her career with over 200 wickets across all formats. Since retiring, Shrubsole has been part of England’s domestic circuit with the Southern Vipers, where she contributed both as a player and assistant coach under Charlotte Edwards.

She takes over from Sunetra Paranjape, who served as RCB’s bowling coach until 2025. Despite this change, the franchise has chosen to retain most of its core staff. R. Muralidhar continues as batting coach, while Navnita Gautam remains the team’s head physiotherapist.