RCB coach Malolan Rangarajan explains why RCB bid Rs 1.05 cr for Sophie Molineux and signed Jess Jonassen despite injuryRCB to defend WPL title from Jan 14.
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RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan on Sophie Molineux’s bid (Photo: X)
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced their squad for the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 season, with a mix of experienced overseas stars and Indian talent as they bid to defend their titleAmong their key signings are Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen, Chloe Tryon and India international Tejal Hasabnis.
RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan also opened up about the franchise’s auction strategy, including its attempt to bring back Australia captain Sophie MolineuxSpeaking on JioStar’s Match Centre Live Auction Special, Rangarajan explained why the team pushed hard for Molineux and why Jonassen remained an important target despite her current injury concerns.
RCB coach explains Sophie Molineux bid
RCB were keen to retain Molineux after their title-winning campaign but could not secure her servicesRangarajan said the franchise made a strong effort within its available budget and was prepared to spend most of its remaining purse on the Australian spinner.
“When you have Rs 1.15 crores and you go till 1.05 for her, I think we did the best we could to get her backWe also have to recognise that we did win the championship last yearSo, we would have loved to have her in our squad, and we tried to demonstrate thatBut I wish Sophie the very best when she plays for UP, a gun cricketerWe would have liked her, but again, that’s how the auction works, and we had other players also that we were looking at,” Rangarajan said.
Molineux eventually joined UP Warriorz, leaving RCB to explore other options to strengthen their bowling attack.
Why RCB signed Jess Jonassen despite injury concerns
Jonassen was another major addition to the Bengaluru squadThe Australian all-rounder has opted out of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) while recovering from an injury, but RCB expect her to be available for the WPL.
Rangarajan said the franchise had considered her fitness situation before making the decisionHe also highlighted the different roles Jonassen can fill in the team.
“She has opted not to play the WBBL now because she is nursing an injuryThe information we have at the moment is that she’s going to be fit by the end of December, and she’ll play a couple of domestic List-A games in Australia and should be fit in time for the WPLJJ is a very experienced playerWe’re aware of her current fitness status, but we still wanted herSimilarly with Sophie alsoWe were very aware of what we were going to sign up forSo, if required, we also have all our backup plans readyI’d like to focus on JJ the player and the way she improves our teamA left-arm spinner who is a powerplay option for us through the middle and death, and more importantly, bats anywhere between four and sixSo very, very happy to have JJ in the team.”
RCB look to defend WPL title
Jonassen’s left-arm spin and batting ability give RCB another option across different stages of a matchThe franchise will hope her experience helps balance the side as it prepares for the new season.
With their squad now completed, RCB will aim to carry their title-winning form into WPL 2027, scheduled from January 14 to February 7, LIVE on JioHotstar and the Star Sports NetworkTheir plans will also depend on the fitness of key players as the tournament approaches.
