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England’s rising pace sensation Lauren Bell became Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) priciest acquisition at the , securing a ₹90 lakh deal that underscores her growing stature in global T20 cricket. The 25-year-old right-arm fast bowler, known for her swing and bounce, outbid rivals like Mumbai Indians (MI) in a competitive round, marking RCB’s top spend amid a strategic rebuild post their 2024 title win. Bell’s immediate post-auction reaction buzzed with enthusiasm, amplifying fan excitement for RCB’s bolstered attack ahead of the WPL 2026 season.
Lauren Bell’s thrilling post-auction reaction
Moments after her hammer fell, Bell shared her joy via social media, stating: “Hey everyone, I’m super super excited to be joining RCB. What an amazing franchise to be a part of. I can’t wait to bring some fun and excitement… and play some amazing cricket. So yeah, I can’t wait to meet you soon.” Her words captured the electric atmosphere, resonating with RCB’s passionate fanbase and highlighting her eagerness to contribute to the franchise’s trophy hunt.
Profile of RCB’s biggest buy in WPL 2026 Auction
Born in Swindon on January 1, 2001, Bell debuted for England in June 2022 after impressing in domestic circuits for Hampshire and Southern Brave. With 60 T20I wickets at an average of 18.34, she boasts a lethal mix of pace, swing both ways, and middle-over control.
Highlights include a five-wicket haul in a 2024 WODI against New Zealand and strong showings in The Hundred, where she aided Southern Brave’s 2021 triumph. Previously with UP Warriorz, Bell reunites with Smriti Mandhana, her ex-Southern Brave teammate, promising synergy in RCB’s lineup.
Lauren Bell: An strategic fit in RCB’s pace arsenal
RCB targeted Bell to fortify their seam attack, pairing her with retained stars like and new buys such as Nadine de Klerk (₹65 lakh) and Pooja Vastrakar (₹85 lakh). Coach and management viewed her as the ideal new-ball enforcer, capable of exploiting Indian conditions with disciplined lines. This ₹90 lakh investment – above base ₹30 lakh – edges out other acquisitions like Arundhati Reddy (₹75 lakh), signaling confidence in her potential to lead breakthroughs in powerplays and death overs.
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Impact on RCB’s WPL 2026 ambitions
Following a challenging 2025, RCB retained Mandhana, Perry, Richa Ghosh and Shreyanka Patil, then smartly added spinners Radha Yadav and Linsey Smith alongside Bell. Her arrival elevates a balanced squad blending international firepower with domestic depth, positioning RCB as title contenders. Bell’s Hundred pedigree and England form position her to thrive under Mandhana’s captaincy, fueling hopes of sustained success in the league’s third edition.
Bell’s acquisition and upbeat response ignite optimism, blending proven skill with infectious energy for RCB’s WPL journey.
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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
