In a significant setback for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), their star all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has been ruled out of the initial phase of the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 season. The talented cricketer sustained a hamstring injury during a recent training session, which will sideline her for approximately two weeks.
Injury Details and Team Confirmation
The franchise officially confirmed the news, stating that Vastrakar suffered the injury while preparing for the high-profile tournament. Medical assessments have indicated a recovery timeline of around 14 days, forcing her to miss the crucial opening matches of the season. The WPL 2025 is scheduled to commence on February 22, meaning Vastrakar's absence will be felt during the early stages of the competition.
This development is a major blow for the RCB camp, which acquired Vastrakar for a substantial sum of ₹1.9 crore during the player auction held in December 2024. Her dual skills as a potent pace bowler and a hard-hitting lower-order batter made her one of the key pillars of the team's strategy for the new season.
Impact on Royal Challengers Bangalore's Campaign
Pooja Vastrakar's absence creates a considerable void in the RCB lineup. Her ability to break partnerships with the ball and provide explosive finishes with the bat is not easily replaceable. The team management will now have to re-evaluate their playing XI and balance for the initial fixtures.
The franchise has indicated that they are closely monitoring her rehabilitation process. "She is under the supervision of our medical team and has already begun her rehab," a team source was quoted as saying. The hope is for a swift and complete recovery, allowing her to join the squad as soon as she is declared fully match-fit.
Broader Context and Player's Recent Form
This injury comes at an inopportune time for the 24-year-old cricketer, who has been a consistent performer for the Indian national team across formats. Known for her fiery spells and crucial contributions, Vastrakar was expected to be a central figure in RCB's quest for their maiden WPL title.
The Women's Premier League has grown exponentially in stature since its inception, and the 2025 season is highly anticipated. Injuries to key players like Vastrakar highlight the intense physical demands of modern cricket and the importance of squad depth in franchise tournaments.
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, will now need other players to step up in the all-rounder's department. The team's performance in the first two weeks could be pivotal in setting the tone for their entire campaign. Fans and analysts will be keenly watching how the management navigates this early challenge.
