WPL 2026: RCB, DC hit with huge blows as Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdraw; replacements named

In a major pre-tournament shake-up, Australian powerhouses Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland have withdrawn from Women's Premier League 2026 for personal reasons, leaving Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals to rethink their strategies just days before the action kicks off.

Perry, RCB's retained star at a whopping INR 2 crore following her heroics in the 2024 title triumph-where she smashed 347 runs at a strike rate of 157.26 to grab the Orange Cap while chipping in with 7 wickets-won't defend that crown.

WPL 2026 RCB DC hit with huge blows as star players withdraw Replacements Named

Her 2025 form was equally electric despite injuries, notching 372 runs with four fifties in eight outings. Stepping into her massive shoes is uncapped Indian opener Sayali Satghare, snapped up at her base price of INR 30 lakh. Satghare, a promising talent from Maharashtra with domestic T20 experience, could provide explosive starts at the top to soften the blow for Smriti Mandhana's title-holders.

Over at Delhi Capitals, Sutherland's exit after her retained INR 2.2 crore tag and a stellar 2025 stint of 9 wickets at 7.57 economy during DC's final run, prompting the signing of leg-spin wizard Alana King for INR 60 lakh. The 30-year-old Aussie, who shone for UP Warriorz last season with her variations, boasts 27 T20I wickets and could fortify DC's middle-overs attack alongside Jess Jonassen and Radha Yadav, especially on spin-friendly pitches.

UP Warriorz aren't sitting idle either. With USA all-rounder Tara Norris called up for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, they've roped in emerging Australian all-rounder Charli Knott at INR 10 lakh. The 20-year-old Queenslander, fresh from Big Bash League exposure, offers seam bowling and middle-order batting depth to bolster Alyssa Healy's squad amid their push for playoff redemption.