In a significant setback for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, their star pace-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has been sidelined from the Women's Premier League for a minimum of two weeks due to a hamstring injury. The development casts a shadow over what was supposed to be her competitive comeback.
Injury Details and Comeback Delay
The 26-year-old Indian international, who last featured in a competitive match during the T20 World Cup in October 2024, sustained the injury just before her release from the National Cricket Academy's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. RCB had acquired Vastrakar for a substantial sum of Rs 85 lakh during the WPL auction held in November last year, pinning high hopes on her all-round abilities.
"Pooja Vastrakar was not available for selection against Mumbai Indians," confirmed the franchise's head coach, Malolan Rangarajan, following the team's opening match in Navi Mumbai on Friday. He elaborated, "Two weeks prior to her release from the CoE, she unfortunately tweaked her hamstring. The information we have is that she will be out for two weeks more."
This new injury compounds her existing fitness concerns. Vastrakar was initially at the CoE for shoulder rehabilitation, and the fresh hamstring issue has further delayed her return to the field. Rangarajan described her recovery as "a week-by-week process," indicating the team will monitor her progress closely.
RCB's Winning Start Despite Absence
Despite the absence of their key all-rounder, Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their WPL campaign on a victorious note, defeating the defending champions Mumbai Indians by three wickets in a nail-biting last-ball thriller.
The team's victory was orchestrated by a magnificent all-round performance from South African stalwart Nadine de Klerk. She first delivered an excellent bowling spell, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs, and then played a match-winning knock of 63 runs off just 44 balls to chase down a target of 155.
In Vastrakar's absence, RCB entrusted the bowling responsibilities to new recruits. England's left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, India's Arundhati Reddy, and de Klerk combined effectively to restrict Mumbai Indians to 154 for 6. The chase was tense, with RCB stumbling to 65 for 5, but de Klerk, supported by Reddy's crucial 20-run contribution, anchored the innings to a successful conclusion.
Coach's Reaction and Mumbai's Woes
An elated yet relieved coach Rangarajan highlighted the value of all-rounders in the format. "The value of all-rounders came to the fore," he said, joking about his blood pressure during the tense finish. He praised de Klerk's clarity and execution, noting her precise plan to tackle the chase in blocks during the strategic time-out.
Mumbai Indians, too, faced an injury concern of their own. Their influential all-rounder, Hayley Matthews, missed the opener as she recovers from a shoulder strain. Head coach Lisa Keightley stated that Matthews was "really close" to being fit and her availability for the next game would be assessed.
The defending champions will look to bounce back when they face Delhi Capitals on Saturday at the DY Patil Stadium. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, riding high on their opening win, will next take on the UP Warriorz Women on Monday.
Fans can follow the latest WPL 2026 updates, including the full schedule, live scores for all teams like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals, and track the Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings as the tournament progresses.
