The WPL 2027 schedule is here, and fans cannot wait to find out when their teams will play. For supporters of the defending champions, that excitement is even greater. They want to see their team return, defend the trophy and become champions again.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already won the WPL twice. Their last triumph was particularly special because they lifted the trophy without star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, while Pooja Vastrakar’s injury also disrupted their campaign.

Despite those setbacks, RCB found a way to win. With Perry returning to the squad and the team looking to enter this season at full strength, there is every reason for their supporters to believe another title challenge is coming.

Why RCB Are Strong Contenders for WPL 2027

Winning without a player as important as Perry showed the strength of RCB’s squad. Her return adds proven batting quality and another valuable bowling option to a team that already knows how to become champions.

Vastrakar has also been retained, while new signings Jess Jonassen and Chloe Tryon give RCB further all-round options. Tejal Hasabnis and Vrinda Dinesh strengthen their batting resources.

There is more encouraging news in the form of Prema Rawat’s record-breaking 14-ball half-century, the fastest recorded fifty in women’s T20 cricket. Playing for Uttarakhand against Hyderabad in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, she finished unbeaten on 50 and also took 2/12.

Read alsoPrema Rawat of RCB Creates World Record for Fastest FiftyPrema Rawat fastest fifty: RCB’s leg-spinner breaks Fatima Sana’s 15-ball mark, showing her potential as a powerful finisher for India and RCB.

For RCB, that performance is another reason for excitement. A player already in their squad has shown how quickly she can change an innings with the bat while contributing with the ball. The defending champions have strong reasons to target a third WPL title.

A Big Opening Test Against Mumbai Indians

RCB will begin their campaign against Mumbai Indians in Vadodara on January 14. This is a meeting between the only two teams to have won the competition.

Mumbai lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2025, while RCB won in 2024 and 2026. Neither side has yet successfully defended its title.

Beating Mumbai in the opener would give RCB more than their first points. Starting with a victory over another two-time champion could provide an early confidence boost and help them carry that belief through the tournament.

RCB WPL 2027 Schedule

RCB will play eight league matches, facing each of the other four teams twice. Their first four fixtures are in Vadodara, followed by four at Mumbai-CCI. Every match starts at 7:30 PM.

Match Date Fixture Time Venue
1 January 14, 2027 RCB vs Mumbai Indians 7:30 PM Vadodara
2 January 16, 2027 Delhi Capitals vs RCB 7:30 PM Vadodara
3 January 19, 2027 RCB vs UP Warriorz 7:30 PM Vadodara
4 January 22, 2027 Gujarat Giants vs RCB 7:30 PM Vadodara
5 January 26, 2027 Mumbai Indians vs RCB 7:30 PM Mumbai-CCI
6 January 29, 2027 RCB vs Delhi Capitals 7:30 PM Mumbai-CCI
7 January 31, 2027 UP Warriorz vs RCB 7:30 PM Mumbai-CCI
8 February 2, 2027 RCB vs Gujarat Giants 7:30 PM Mumbai-CCI

The Eliminator is scheduled for February 5 and the final for February 7, both at Mumbai-CCI at 7:30 PM. RCB’s involvement in those matches will depend on qualification. The schedule is subject to change at the BCCI’s discretion.

RCB’s Complete WPL 2027 Squad

RCB have assembled a 17-player squad, consisting of 11 Indian players and six overseas players. They retained 13 players and added four at the auction.

Player Squad status
Smriti Mandhana Retained
Richa Ghosh Retained
Ellyse Perry Retained
Georgia Voll Retained
Nadine de Klerk Retained
Lauren Bell Retained
Pooja Vastrakar Retained
Arundhati Reddy Retained
Radha Yadav Retained
Shreyanka Patil Retained
Sayali Satghare Retained
Prema Rawat Retained
Prathyoosha Kumar Retained
Jess Jonassen Signed for ₹40 lakh
Chloe Tryon Signed for ₹30 lakh
Tejal Hasabnis Signed for ₹30 lakh
Vrinda Dinesh Signed for ₹10 lakh

For this group, the opportunity is clear: become the first team to win consecutive WPL titles and move ahead of Mumbai Indians with a third trophy.

Read alsoRCB vs MI Will Kickstart WPL 2027, Schedule AnnouncedWPL 2027 begins with RCB vs MI on January 14. Check the full schedule, venues, match timings, Eliminator and February 7 final details here.