Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is gearing up for a new era in women’s cricket as they prepare to welcome Luke Williams as their new head coach for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. This marks a significant change as Williams steps into the role, replacing Ben Sawyer.
Luke Williams has an impressive coaching pedigree, having made a name for himself in the cricket world. While his first-class cricket career spanned from 2000 to 2005, his coaching prowess has garnered attention. Williams spent four seasons at the helm of the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), guiding them to their maiden title victory in the 2022-23 season, following two previous runner-up finishes.
Williams’ success extends beyond Australian shores. He served as the assistant coach for Southern Brave, who clinched their inaugural Women’s Hundred title earlier this year. His collaboration with cricketing stalwart Charlotte Edwards proved fruitful. Additionally, Williams has contributed his coaching insight to the South Australian Scorpions in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) in Australia.
RCB’s women’s team faced significant challenges in the inaugural WPL season earlier this year. They finished fourth out of five teams, securing just two victories out of eight group-stage matches. Like their men’s counterparts, the owners have decided to revamp the coaching staff for the 2024 season.
Andy Flower, formerly associated with the Lucknow Super Giants, has committed to a three-year contract as the head coach, succeeding Sanjay Bangar in the men’s division. Mike Hesson, director of cricket across both men’s and women’s teams, stepped down in August. This transition signals a new chapter in RCB’s cricketing journey.
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The investment in Smriti Mandhana, the season’s most expensive buy with a bid of INR 3.4 crore (approximately USD 415,000 at the time), underscored RCB’s commitment to success in the inaugural WPL. However, Mandhana’s relatively quiet season, where she scored 149 runs in eight innings, posed a challenge. RCB had assembled a formidable squad featuring international stars like Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, and Heather Knight.
As Luke Williams takes charge of RCB’s women’s cricket team, he brings a wealth of coaching experience and a track record of success. RCB is eager to turn the tide and make their mark in the upcoming WPL season. The winds of change are blowing, and cricket enthusiasts are watching with anticipation as RCB’s women’s team prepares for a fresh start under the guidance of their new head coach.
