RCB Bolster Squad With Four Key Signings at WPL Auction 2027
Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthen their title defense by signing Jess Jonassen, Chloe Tryon, and two Indian batters at the WPL Auction 2027.
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have officially completed their roster for the upcoming season after a strategic outing at the WPL Auction 2027. Looking to maintain their grip on the trophy, the franchise added four versatile players to their ranks, blending international experience with promising Indian talent.
The New Arrivals: Strengthening the Core
RCB focused their efforts on enhancing their spin attack and batting depth. The biggest acquisitions include:
- Jess Jonassen: The Australian all-rounder was secured for Rs 40 Lakhs, a move designed to significantly strengthen RCB's spin-bowling department.
- Chloe Tryon: The South African all-rounder joined the squad for Rs 30 Lakhs, bringing much-needed all-round depth.
- Tejal Hasabnis: An Indian batter signed for Rs 30 Lakhs to bolster the domestic batting lineup.
- Vrinda Dinesh: A Karnataka-born batter who was picked up for Rs 10 Lakhs.
Coach's Perspective: Strategy and Surprises
Head Coach Malolan Rangarajan expressed particular excitement over the acquisition of Vrinda Dinesh, admitting that landing the player was an unexpected win for the team. He noted that Dinesh has been performing exceptionally well for India A, making her a priority target as soon as the opportunity arose.
Discussing the addition of Chloe Tryon, Rangarajan highlighted her extensive experience in international and franchise cricket. According to the coach, Tryon's ability to slot in anywhere between number 4 and 7 in the batting order, combined with her left-arm spin, provides the team with critical flexibility.
"One of the key things for us was identifying experienced players who have already been part of the WPL environment. We now have a very good mix of experienced players and a couple of youngsters who are looking to play for the country," Rangarajan stated.
The Return of Ellyse Perry and Budget Maneuvers
A major boost for the defending champions is the return of Ellyse Perry. Rangarajan described her comeback as "huge," noting that while the team managed well in her absence last year, her presence at number three fills a significant void in the batting order.
The auction strategy was also influenced by a change in financial rules. Unlike previous years, there was no additional purse increment for this auction. To remain competitive, RCB made the tactical decision to release Grace, which allowed them to manufacture more budget. Having entered the auction with 13 retained players and a remaining purse of Rs 1.15 crore, the franchise used this flexibility to secure their four new signings.
The Complete RCB WPL Squad
With the auction concluded, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for the upcoming season is as follows:
New Signings:
- Jess Jonassen (Rs 40 Lakhs)
- Chloe Tryon (Rs 30 Lakhs)
- Tejal Hasabnis (Rs 30 Lakhs)
- Vrinda Dinesh (Rs 10 Lakhs)
Retained Players:
- Smriti Mandhana (Captain)
- Georgia Voll
- Nadine de Klerk
- Ellyse Perry
- Shreyanka Patil
- Sayali Satghare
- Richa Ghosh
- Prathyoosha Kumar
- Lauren Bell
- Arundhati Reddy
- Pooja Vastrakar
- Radha Yadav
- Prema Rawat