Anya Shrubsole picks RCB’s ‘really good’ bowling unit as key to counter Mumbai Indians in WPL opener

We are all set to rumble for the season opener of the Women’s Premier League 2026. In the opening clash of the tournament, it is going to be a blockbuster challenge between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. Both sides come into the fray with intense firepower as Mumbai hope to defend their title while RCB will be gunning for a second championship.

RCB’s assistant coach, Anya Shrubsole, opened up on the latest episode of RCB Bold Diaries where she underlined the variety of bowling options while also chiming in with a valuable insight about the perfect counter to stall the run-scoring in the D.Y. Patil Stadium.

Underlining the strength that RCB has in the various departments, Anya said, “I think we've got really good options all through all three phases. We've got lots of variety as well. And I think giving Smriti as captain that on the field is really good. And we've got people who are real wicket takers. And I think on grounds like this that are pretty small, pretty good to bat on, the way to limit the scoring is to take wickets.”

She concluded with a quick word about RCB’s bowling unit, stating, “So I'm really excited for whoever we pick to get out there and show what they can do. I think obviously MI have won the tournament twice and a huge amount of that has come off the back of their batting lineup. I think we've got a really good bowling attack to complement that."