Royal Challengers Bengaluru women have made a big change in their squad ahead of the next edition of the Women’s Premier League. All-rounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out for the entire season with a knee injury, which will be a huge blow for the Smriti Mandhana-led side.
Sophie Molineux was instrumental in winning tium for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last edition. He was bought by the team for INR 30 lakh in the WPL Player Auction. He played 10 games for the team last season and was good with bat and ball.
Sophie Molineux ruled out of WPL 2025, RCB add Charlotte Ellen Dean to squad
Sophie Molineux scored 78 runs with a best of 33 against Delhi Capitals last season. The best came with Ballas. He picked 12 wickets with just 7 and an average of 23 economy. His best came in the match against Delhi where he returned with figures of 3/20.
His absence will leave a huge void in the team heading into the next edition of the league. But Royal Challengers Bengaluru women took no time in replacing Sophie Molineux. The franchise added England Women’s National Cricket Team all-rounder Charlotte Ellen Dean to the squad.
Charlotte Ellen Dean, who has played 36 T20Is, 3 Tests and 39 ODIs for England Women’s National Cricket Team, will join Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 30 Lakh. He would hope to take advantage of the opportunity to help his team win the title.
Sophie Molineux has unfortunately been ruled out, England all-rounder 𝐾𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧
Releasing an official statement, the franchise said: “Our champion all-rounder Sophie Molineux has unfortunately been ruled out of #WPL2025 due to a knee injury and England all-rounder. 𝐧𝐡𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 The his replacement has been selected. # welcomeourRCB, Charlie! We can’t wait to see you sprinkle your magic on the field”
🔊 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 🔊
Our all-round champion Sophie Molineux was unfortunately disqualified #WPL2025 England all-rounder 𝐧𝐡__𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐧 was chosen as his replacement due to a knee injury.
you are welcome #OurRCBCharlie! we can’t… pic.twitter.com/99LrPa1oMl
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 16, 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the reigning champions of the tournament
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions of the tournament after defeating Delhi Capitals in the final to win the first title for the franchise in franchise cricket history. They would be looking to defend their title and win back-to-back titles in the Women’s Premier League.
Although there is no official confirmation, there were several reports claiming that WPL 2025 will start on February 6 or 7. The final of the tournament will take place on March 8 or 9. There are reports that the tournament will be held in four venues this time.
The WPL will be played at four venues in Mumbai, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Vadodara. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is likely to make an official announcement soon.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: KL Rahul dropped as two wickets picked for CT
