The latest Pooja Vastrakar injury update came from RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan after RCB sneaked past Mumbai Indians in the opening game of WPL 2026.
In a major blow to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp, Indian pace spearhead Pooja Vastrakar has been sidelined for the opening stages of WPL 2026. The news comes as a significant setback for the franchise, which had heavily invested in her during the recent mega auction to bolster their all-round department.
One glance at the MI vs RCB WPL 2026 match analysis, and we see how Pooja Vastrakar’s absence affected RCB in their opening game of the season even though Nadine de Klerk’s solo heroic knock led them to a win.
Pooja Vastrakar Injury Update
According to the latest Pooja Vastrakar injury update, the fast bowler has picked up a hamstring injury just as she was nearing the end of her recovery from a long-standing shoulder problem. Vastrakar, who was acquired by RCB for INR 85 lakh, has not played competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup in October 2024.
The injury reportedly occurred during her final days at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed the news during a press conference following the team’s victory over Mumbai Indians.
“I think two days prior to her release from the [BCCI’s Centre of Excellence], she unfortunately tweaked her hamstring,” Rangarajan said in the press conference. “The information we have at the moment is that she’s going to [need] two weeks more. It’s a hamstring issue. She was there for her shoulder and now it’s a hamstring issue.”
When will Pooja Vastrakar return to WPL 2026?
The management is currently taking a cautious “week-by-week” approach toward her rehabilitation. Given the timeline provided by the coach, the expected Pooja Vastrakar return date is likely to be in late January. She is confirmed to miss at least the first two weeks of the tournament.
“It’s a week-by-week process. So let’s see where she’s at,” Rangarajan added, emphasizing that the team will not rush her back until she is 100% match-fit.
How Will RCB Change Their Plans In Pooja Vastrakar’s Absence?
Despite the absence of the star all-rounder, RCB managed to pull off a thrilling win in their season opener against the Mumbai Indians. The team relied heavily on their other all-round recruits to fill the void:
- Nadine de Klerk: Emerged as the hero with a sensational fifty and a four-wicket haul.
- Linsey Smith: Opened the bowling with a disciplined spell of 0/23.
- Arundhati Reddy: Provided crucial support with the bat, scoring 20 runs in a match-turning partnership.
RCB’s auction strategy of “going all in on allrounders” seems to have provided them with enough depth to navigate this initial hurdle. However, they will be eager to have Vastrakar back in the playing XI as her seam-bowling capabilities and lower-order hitting are vital for the team’s balance.
RCB are scheduled to play their next match against the UP Warriorz on January 12, Monday at the DY Patil Stadium.
