WPL 2025: RCB forced to add Charlie Dean to squad as Sophie Molineux gets ruled out

Royal Challengers Bengaluru women have made a massive change to their squad ahead of the next edition of the Women's Premier League. All-rounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the entire season with a knee injury, and it will be a massive blow for the Smriti Mandhana-led side.

Sophie Molineux played a vital role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their title-winning triumph in the last edition. She was acquired by the team at INR 30 lakh at the WPL Player Auction. She played 10 games for the team last season and was decent with the bat and ball.

Sophie Molineux ruled out of WPL 2025, RCB add Charlotte Ellen Dean into the squad

Sophie Molineux scored 78 runs last season with the best of 33 against Delhi Capitals. Her best came with the Ballas. She picked 12 wickets at an economy of just around 7 and an average of 23. Her best came in the match against Delhi, where she returned with figures of 3/20.

Her absence will leave a massive void in the team going into the next edition of the league. But Royal Challengers Bengaluru women didn't take time to name the replacement for Sophie Molineux. The franchise added England Women's National Cricket Team all-rounder Charlotte Ellen Dean into the team.

Charlotte Ellen Dean, who has played 36 T20Is, 3 Tests and 39 ODIs for the England Women's National Cricket Team, will be joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 30 Lakh. She would be hoping that she cashes in an opportunity and help her team win the title.

Sophie Molineux has unfortunately been ruled out, England all-rounder 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 has been chosen as her replacement - RCB statement

Releasing the official statement, the franchise stated: "Our champion all-rounder Sophie Molineux has unfortunately been ruled out of #WPL2025 due to a knee injury, and England all-rounder 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 has been chosen as her replacement. Welcome to #ನಮ್ಮRCB, Charlie! We can’t wait to see you sprinkle your magic on the field"

🔊 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 🔊

Our champion all-rounder Sophie Molineux has unfortunately been ruled out of #WPL2025 due to a knee injury, and England all-rounder 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 has been chosen as her replacement.

Welcome to #ನಮ್ಮRCB, Charlie! We can’t… pic.twitter.com/99LrPa1oMl

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 16, 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions of the tournament

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions of the tournament after they thumped Delhi Capitals in the final to win the first title for the franchise in the history of franchise cricket. They would be keen to defend their title and win back-to-back titles in the Women’s Premier League.

Although there isn't any official confirmation, there were a few reports that claimed that WPL 2025 would commence on February 6 or 7. The final of the tournament will take place on the 8th or 9th of March. There have been reports that the tournament this time around will be taking place across four venues.

WPL will be played across four venues in Mumbai, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Vadodara. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is likely to make the official announcement soon.

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