Ellyse Perry Withdraws from WPL 2026; Sayali Satghare Named as RCB Replacement
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, as star all-rounder Ellyse Perry withdraws from the tournament due to personal reasons. The franchise moved quickly to fill the gap by signing Indian seam-bowling all-rounder Sayali Satghare as her replacement.
What Has Happened
Australian cricket icon Ellyse Perry, one of the most prolific performers in the Women’s Premier League, will not feature in the 2026 season, citing personal reasons for her withdrawal. The news comes just weeks before the league’s scheduled start on 9 January 2026, in which defending champions Mumbai Indians will face RCB in the opening match.
Perry was retained by RCB at INR 2 crore during the recent WPL mega-auction, underscoring her value to the team. She has been a cornerstone of RCB’s batting lineup in previous editions, becoming the franchise’s highest run-scorer in WPL history and playing a pivotal role in their championship success.
Ellyse Perry's Replacement - Sayali Satghare
To fill the void left by Perry, RCB have brought in Sayali Satghare at her base price of INR 30 lakh. Satghare, a pace-bowling all-rounder from Mumbai, has represented India in three ODIs and appeared in a handful of WPL matches across previous seasons.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WODI | 3 | 2 | – | 3 | 35.66 | 1/24 |
| Women’s List A | 59 | 686 | 19.60 | 67 | 20.80 | 7/5 |
| Women’s T20 | 52 | 435 | 19.77 | 38 | 20.23 | 5/13 |
Known for her ability to swing the new ball, she brings balance and fresh energy to an RCB squad already rich with overseas talent. She plays domestic cricket for the Mumbai Women’s team and has featured for Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Impact of Ellyse Perry's Withdrawal from WPL 2026
Perry’s absence also impacts RCB’s overseas player composition, leaving the team with five foreign players — Lauren Bell, Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, and Linsey Smith — and increased responsibility on the remaining squad members to step up throughout the tournament.
This development isn’t isolated; another high-profile withdrawal includes Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who has also pulled out of WPL 2026 due to personal reasons, affecting the Delhi Capitals lineup. While these absences are significant, the league will still showcase strong talent from around the world, promising a competitive season.
Perry’s decision comes at a crucial time in her career. Widely regarded as one of the best female cricketers globally, she has an illustrious record in international and franchise cricket, and her presence in the WPL has been a major draw for fans.
For RCB, losing Perry’s experience — both with the bat and ball — is a tactical challenge. Satghare’s inclusion offers fresh domestic talent an opportunity to shine, but the team’s overall balance and match strategy may require adjustments as the season unfolds.
Also Read: Official Announcement of RCB about Ellyse Perry’s Withdrawal from WPL 2026
