RCB Build for a Title Defence: Jonassen, Tryon Head Four-Player Auction Haul

Royal Challengers Bengaluru did not enter the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction looking for a squad overhaul. 

The defending champions had a strong core in place, and their four acquisitions in Kochi on October 28 reflected a more targeted approach: strengthen the bowling options, add experience to the all-round department and create greater depth in Indian batting.

Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen, South African Chloe Tryon, and Indian batters Tejal Hasabnis and Vrinda Dinesh were the four players brought in as RCB completed their squad for the upcoming season.

Jonassen was signed for ₹40 lakh, Tryon for ₹30 lakh, Hasabnis for ₹30 lakh and Vrinda for ₹10 lakh. With 13 players retained before the auction and ₹1.15 crore available, RCB used its remaining purse to address specific requirements rather than make sweeping changes.

For a franchise preparing to defend its title, the auction was as much about preserving its winning combination as it was about adding new dimensions.

The acquisition of Jess Jonassen gives RCB another experienced international option, particularly in the spin-bowling department. The Australian all-rounder brings the ability to contribute with both bat and ball, offering the franchise additional flexibility in team selection.

Chloe Tryon provides a different kind of balance. The South African all-rounder has extensive international and franchise-league experience and can strengthen the middle order while also offering left-arm spin.

Head coach Malolan Rangarajan was particularly pleased with Tryon's arrival, highlighting her versatility across the batting order. “I’m very happy to have Chloe Tryon in our squad. She is a very experienced international player who has been playing in franchise leagues and performing well. She adds depth to our batting, with the ability to bat anywhere between No. 4 and No. 7, and is also very handy with her left-arm spin,” Rangarajan said.

He also emphasised the importance of recruiting players familiar with the WPL environment. “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.”

The two overseas additions give RCB more options in constructing their playing XI, particularly when balancing batting depth with bowling resources.

Vrinda Dinesh Signing Has a Local Connection

Among the four acquisitions, Vrinda Dinesh's signing carries a particular connection for the franchise. The Karnataka-born batter was secured for ₹10 lakh, and Rangarajan admitted that he had not expected RCB to land her at the auction.

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect us to land Vrinda, so I’m very happy that we’ve been able to bring a Karnataka-born player into the squad,” he said.

The coach pointed to her performances for India A as a key reason behind the franchise's interest.

“She has been doing exceptionally well for India A, and as soon as we saw an opportunity to bring her into the team, we made sure we took it across the line.”

Tejal Hasabnis, acquired for ₹30 lakh, is the other Indian batting addition. Together, the two signings expand RCB's domestic batting options and give the management additional choices as it looks to manage the demands of a full WPL season.

One of the biggest developments for RCB ahead of the auction was the return of Ellyse Perry to the retained squad. Rangarajan described her availability as a major boost, particularly after the franchise had to manage her absence during the previous season.

“Honestly, Perry coming back was huge for us. There was a void in our batting without her, but we have to give a lot of credit to our girls last year, who did well to counter her absence. With her coming back, we have a very, very good player at number three,” he said.

Perry's return gives RCB an established option in the top order and strengthens the batting structure around captain Smriti Mandhana.

The coach also explained that the auction strategy was influenced by the absence of an additional purse increase this year. Unlike previous auction cycles, franchises did not receive an automatic increment in their budgets.

“One big distinction with this auction is the fact that you don't have an additional purse coming through in every auction,” Rangarajan explained.

He added that releasing Grace Harris was part of RCB's effort to create additional financial flexibility and remain competitive when bidding for their preferred targets.

RCB entered the auction with 13 retained players, including captain Smriti Mandhana, Perry, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh and Shreyanka Patil. The bowling group already featured Lauren Bell, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav and Prema Rawat, alongside Shreyanka and Sayali Satghare. Jonassen and Tryon now add further depth to those options.

The retained group also includes wicketkeeper Prathyoosha Kumar, while the four new signings take the squad to 17 players.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – WPL 2027 Squad

Auction acquisitions: Jess Jonassen (₹40 lakh), Chloe Tryon (₹30 lakh), Tejal Hasabnis (₹30 lakh), Vrinda Dinesh (₹10 lakh).

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 and Prema Rawat.

RCB's auction strategy was built around continuity, with four additions addressing specific areas rather than changing the identity of the team. Jonassen strengthens the spin-bowling options, Tryon adds all-round flexibility, while Hasabnis and Vrinda expand the Indian batting pool.

The return of Perry is another significant factor in the team's preparations. With Mandhana leading a group that already has considerable international experience, RCB appear to have prioritised balance and depth.

The auction is now complete. The challenge shifts to the field, where RCB will have to demonstrate that the additions can complement their retained core and help them defend the WPL title.