Kochi: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finalised their 17-member squad for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 season, adding four players at the auction held in Kochi on October 28. The franchise strengthened its batting and all-round options by signing Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen, South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon and Indian batters Tejal Hasabnis and Vrinda Dinesh.
RCB entered the auction with ₹1.15 crore remaining in their purse after retaining 13 players from their title-winning 2026 squad. They spent ₹1.10 crore on their four acquisitions, leaving ₹5 lakh unused. The new signings add depth to a squad led by India batter Smriti Mandhana and featuring established international players such as Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk.
Jess Jonassen leads RCB’s auction additions
Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen was RCB’s first signing of the auction, joining for ₹40 lakh. The experienced left-arm spinner and left-handed batter provides another option with both bat and ball as the franchise prepares to defend its title.
RCB subsequently signed Indian middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis for ₹30 lakh and South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon for ₹30 lakh. Vrinda Dinesh completed the franchise’s auction business, joining for ₹10 lakh.
RCB’s four auction purchases were:
- Jess Jonassen — ₹40 lakh
- Chloe Tryon — ₹30 lakh
- Tejal Hasabnis — ₹30 lakh
- Vrinda Dinesh – ₹10 lakh
The signings give RCB additional choices in the middle order and all-rounder department. Jonassen and Tryon bring overseas experience, while Hasabnis and Dinesh strengthen the Indian contingent.
Full RCB squad for WPL 2027
RCB retained 13 players ahead of the auction, including captain Smriti Mandhana, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and Australian star Ellyse Perry. The retained group also features Lauren Bell, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk and several Indian players who contributed to the franchise’s previous campaign.
The complete 17-player squad is:
Retained players
- Smriti Mandhana
- Richa Ghosh
- Ellyse Perry
- Pooja Vastrakar
- Arundhati Reddy
- Radha Yadav
- Nadine de Klerk
- Georgia Full
- Shreyanka Patil
- Sayali Satghare
- Prema Rawat
- Prathyosh Kumar
- Lauren Bell
Players bought at the auction
- Jess Jonassen
- Chloe Tryon
- Tejal Hasabnis
- Vrinda Dinesh
The final group comprises 11 Indian players and six overseas players, according to post-auction reports. RCB have maintained a strong international core while adding further domestic options for different match situations.
Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry remain central
Mandhana will continue to lead RCB’s campaign, with her batting at the top of the order likely to remain a key part of the team’s plans. Ghosh provides wicketkeeping and middle-order batting, while Perry offers considerable international experience as an all-rounder.
The squad also includes overseas players such as Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk and Lauren Bell. The Indian contingent features all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, leg-spinner Prema Rawat and pace bowler Arundhati Reddy. Shreyanka Patil and Sayali Satghare add further bowling options.
Jonassen and Tryon bring additional all-round capabilities. Their ability to contribute in more than one department could give the team greater flexibility when selecting its playing XI. Hasabnis and Dinesh, meanwhile, provide further batting options and competition for places.
The balance between the retained players and the four newcomers will be important as RCB prepare for the season. Selection will depend on player form, fitness, conditions and the combination required for individual matches.
RCB look to defend their WPL title
RCB entered the auction as defending champions after winning the 2026 WPL title. The franchise retained most of its successful core and used the auction to fill four places rather than overhaul the squad.
With a limited purse, the team concentrated on targeted additions. Jonassen and Tryon strengthen the all-rounder options, while Hasabnis and Dinesh offer additional Indian batting depth. The final squad gives the coaching staff a mix of established international performers and domestic players competing for opportunities.
RCB will now turn their attention to preparations for WPL 2027. Their title defence will depend on how effectively the retained core and new recruits work together, maintain consistency and deliver under pressure.
The auction has provided RCB with a settled squad and four new options. The next challenge will be to translate that balance into performances on the field and sustain the form required to compete for another championship.