Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed former Tamil Nadu spinner Malolan Rangarajan as the head coach of their women’s team ahead of the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2026. Rangarajan will replace Luke Williams, who led the team to their maiden WPL title in 2024 but will not be available for the upcoming season due to his commitments with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.
A Strategic Appointment
Malolan Rangarajan’s elevation marks a significant moment for RCB, as the franchise continues to build on its championship legacy. Rangarajan has been a key member of RCB’s support staff for the past six years, serving in various roles including assistant coach and head of scouting. His deep familiarity with the team’s culture and players makes him a natural choice for the head coach position.
RCB’s COO Rajesh Menon stated, “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.”
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Rangarajan’s Cricketing Journey
Born in Chennai, Malolan Rangarajan is a former domestic cricketer who represented Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and South Zone. A right-arm off-spinner and lower-order batsman, he played 47 first-class matches, claiming 136 wickets and scoring 1,379 runs at an average of 28.14. Although his T20 career was brief, his all-round skills and cricketing intellect earned him recognition as a reliable performer and later as a tactician in the professional coaching circuit.
After retiring from professional cricket in 2019, Rangarajan became a core part of RCB’s backroom operations, leading the scouting and talent development programme. He played a crucial role in RCB’s hinterland initiative, which identifies emerging players from untapped regions of India. His experience in talent identification, strategy, and analytics is expected to guide the women’s team through the upcoming WPL 2026 mega auction, helping the franchise retain its competitive edge.
Building on a Winning Legacy
Rangarajan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for RCB, as the team looks to build on its championship success and prepare for the next phase of team development. The WPL 2026 season will be held earlier than usual, from January to February, due to India co-hosting the Men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka in the February-March window.
Expressing his excitement, 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.”
Player and Franchise Confidence
Captain Smriti Mandhana expressed confidence in Rangarajan’s new appointment, saying, “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.”
Looking Ahead
Rangarajan’s promotion reflects the franchise’s trust in home-grown leadership and its commitment to continuity within the coaching framework. His experience in talent identification, strategy, and analytics is expected to guide the women’s team through the upcoming WPL 2026 mega auction, helping the franchise retain its competitive edge.
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