WPL 2026: ‘Opposition bowlers will fear them’ - Saba Karim assesses RCB’s Richa-De Klerk pairing

Published - 07 Jan 2026, 18:40 IST | Updated - 07 Jan 2026, 18:49 IST

Former India cricketer Saba Karim believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) now boast one of the most dangerous finishing combinations in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), with Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk strengthening the middle order.

Karim highlighted that the presence of both batters gives RCB the confidence to either chase challenging targets or recover from tricky situations, while consistently putting pressure on opposition bowlers. RCB are set to begin their WPL campaign against Mumbai Indians Women on Friday, January 9, in Navi Mumbai.

Richa has been a consistent performer for RCB over the years and remains one of their most dependable batters. In 26 WPL matches, she has scored 625 runs, including eight half-centuries, at an impressive strike rate of 150.96. Her ability to finish games has often been crucial for the side.

While De Klerk is yet to make a significant impact in the WPL, her international credentials speak volumes. The South African all-rounder has scored 667 runs and taken 52 wickets in Women’s T20 Internationals, making her a valuable asset for RCB going forward.

“With Nadine de Klerk and Richa Ghosh in the middle order, RCB now has two powerful finishers in their squad. The presence of both of them will create fear in the minds of other teams’ bowlers. Both players give the belief that they can come and win a match even in difficult situations. Opposition bowlers will have a tough time bowling against this batting pair of Richa and De Klerk,” said Karim on JioHotstar.

Top 3 uncapped players to watch out for in WPL 2026

Karim also pointed out that RCB’s overseas signing Lauren Bell could play a key role for the team in the upcoming season. The experienced England pacer brings valuable international exposure and proven credentials, having taken 50 wickets in 36 T20I matches, which could significantly strengthen RCB’s bowling attack.

“Lauren Bell is a very good buy for RCB. They needed an experienced overseas pace bowler. Now they have a bowler in the form of Lauren Bell, who knows how to perform under pressure. She also understands Indian conditions and had a fantastic Women’s ODI World Cup. Overall, she will be a great buy for them,” said Karim.