Ellyse Perry & Annabel Sutherland Out of WPL 2026 – RCB Announce Replacement

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a major setback ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, with star all-rounder Ellyse Perry confirming her withdrawal from the tournament due to personal reasons. The development comes just weeks before the start of the new season and significantly alters RCB’s plans for the upcoming campaign.

Perry’s absence is one of the most high-profile changes ahead of WPL 2026, which is set to begin on January 9.

Ellyse Perry Withdraws from WPL 2026

RCB officially confirmed that Ellyse Perry will not take part in WPL 2026, citing “personal reasons” for her withdrawal. No further details have been shared by the franchise or the player regarding the nature of her decision.

Perry has been one of the most influential players in the league since its inception and played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season.

Why Ellyse Perry’s Absence Is a Big Loss for RCB

Ellyse Perry has been a cornerstone of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s success in the WPL. Across seasons, she has emerged as:

• RCB’s leading run-scorer with 973 runs

• A dependable middle-order batter under pressure

• A reliable seam-bowling option in crucial overs

• A senior figure within the leadership group

Her withdrawal leaves a significant void in both batting depth and bowling balance, forcing RCB to rethink their combination ahead of the season opener.

RCB Names Sayali Satghare as Ellyse Perry’s Replacement

RCB moved swiftly to address Perry’s withdrawal by announcing Indian all-rounder Sayali Satghare as her replacement for WPL 2026.

Key details of the replacement:

• Replacement Player: Sayali Satghare

• Role: Indian all-rounder

• Joining Price: ₹30 lakh (reserve price)

Satghare will now have a major opportunity to step into a high-pressure role, though filling Perry’s shoes will be a significant challenge at this level.

Other Major Player Withdrawals Ahead of WPL 2026

Ellyse Perry is not the only notable name to withdraw from WPL 2026. Several other changes have been confirmed across franchises.

Key Withdrawals and Replacements

Note: Tara Norris will be representing the USA in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.

These changes could have a notable impact on team balance and strategies across the tournament.

How Withdrawals Could Impact Team Combinations

The absence of experienced overseas players like Perry and Sutherland may:

• Increase responsibility on Indian domestic players

• Lead to revised batting orders and bowling plans

• Test squad depth early in the season

Teams will now rely more heavily on bench strength and tactical flexibility as the league progresses.

WPL 2026 Schedule: Key Dates to Remember

Despite the late changes to squads, the WPL 2026 schedule remains unchanged.

Tournament Details:

• Start Date: January 9, 2026

• Opening Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians

• Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

The season opener now carries added intrigue, with RCB set to face defending champions Mumbai Indians without one of their biggest match-winners.

What This Means for WPL 2026

Ellyse Perry’s withdrawal is undoubtedly one of the biggest talking points ahead of WPL 2026. While RCB still boast a strong squad, her absence shifts the balance and opens the door for new players to step up.

As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how teams adapt to these late changes and whether replacements can rise to the occasion on the WPL stage.