The biggest question surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of WPL 2026 is simple and unavoidable: why Ellyse Perry won’t play WPL 2026 for RCB, despite being retained and remaining one of the league’s most influential players.
Perry’s withdrawal has reshaped RCB’s squad balance, batting structure, and leadership dynamics, making her absence the defining storyline of their campaign. An RCB squad for WPL 2026 analysis makes it clear how much Perry’s absence affects the team.
Why Ellyse Perry Won’t Play WPL 2026
Perry has withdrawn from the WPL 2026 season due to personal reasons, a decision confirmed by ESPNcricinfo on December 30, 2025. No injury concerns or fitness issues have been cited, and neither Perry nor RCB have indicated any long-term availability concerns beyond the upcoming season.
RCB had retained Perry for INR 2 crore ahead of the auction, underlining that her withdrawal was not anticipated at the time of retention. Her decision mirrors similar withdrawals by Annabel Sutherland (Delhi Capitals) and Tara Norris (UP Warriorz), indicating that teams across the league have been affected by late changes.
Did RCB Know Ellyse Perry Would Miss WPL 2026 Before the Auction?
Yes. RCB were informed before the WPL 2026 auction that Perry would not be available for the season.
This was confirmed indirectly through an official RCB auction-planning video released on their social media handles. In the video, head coach Malolan Rangarajan, speaking to captain Smriti Mandhana on a call, refers to Perry being “six to seven months away”, a remark that strongly suggests workload management rather than a sudden or last-minute withdrawal.
That context is important. It indicates Perry’s absence was factored into RCB’s planning, even though she was retained earlier in the cycle.
Why RCB Didn’t Go for a Like-for-Like Overseas Replacement For Ellyse Perry
Despite knowing Perry would not play WPL 2026, RCB chose not to sign an overseas batter-allrounder as her replacement. Instead, they brought in Indian pace-bowling allrounder Sayali Satghare and doubled down on a different squad philosophy.
The auction-planning video makes RCB’s thinking clear. The focus was on phase-wise, data-driven solutions, particularly in the powerplay. RCB repeatedly stress that they wanted to address attacking intent early in the innings rather than replace Perry’s role ball-for-ball.
That explains the signings of Georgia Voll, Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk. All three are capable of sustaining high scoring rates in the powerplay or immediately after it, even if none offer Perry’s long-innings stability.
By spreading responsibility across multiple hitters, RCB appear to be accepting that Perry’s exact role cannot be replicated, and instead are trying to outscore the problem early.
Who Replaces Ellyse Perry in RCB’s Playing XI?
From a squad-registration standpoint, Sayali Satghare is Perry’s official replacement. The Indian pace-bowling allrounder has previously played for Gujarat Giants and featured in four WPL matches across two seasons. She was signed at her base price of INR 30 lakh.
However, Satghare is not a direct on-field replacement for Perry. Her inclusion adds depth to the bowling unit but does not solve the batting gap Perry leaves behind at No.3.
In practical terms, Perry’s role will be covered collectively rather than by one player.
Who Will Bat at No.3 for RCB Without Perry?
This is the most important tactical question RCB must answer in WPL 2026.
- Grace Harris — One option is Grace Harris at No.3, in a role similar to Perry’s from previous seasons. Harris has the ability to absorb pressure and accelerate later, which could help stabilise the innings while keeping RCB’s finishing strength intact.
- Georgia Voll — Another option for RCB No.3 spot is Georgia Voll, pushing Harris to No.4 or No.5, where she can operate as a pure impact player. RCB could consider Gautami Naik opening with Smriti Mandhana, a role she performed with Mandhana in the Maharashtra Premier League. This would allow RCB to stack the middle order with Harris, Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk finishing games, while reducing the burden on one player to replicate Perry’s output.
Each option carries risk, and none fully replaces Perry’s flexibility as both an anchor and aggressor.
Will Ellyse Perry Return to Play for RCB in Future WPL Seasons?
Yes, RCB will be able to retain Perry for the next edition of the WPL, should they choose to do so, under existing retention rules. There is no indication that Perry’s association with RCB is over.
Her withdrawal applies only to WPL 2026, and there has been no suggestion of retirement or a permanent exit from the league.
What Perry’s Absence Means for RCB
Perry is the second-highest run-scorer in WPL history and played a central role in RCB’s 2024 title-winning campaign. Losing her removes experience, balance, and leadership in one stroke.
RCB now enter WPL 2026 without a proven No.3, relying on structural solutions rather than individual brilliance. How well they manage that transition may ultimately decide whether they can rediscover their 2024 form or fall short once again.
