Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s playoff preparations received a shot in the arm with the return of pace all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar from injury layoff. Joining the team in New Delhi on January 22, her presence fortifies RCB’s charge in Women’s Premier League 2026.
Captain Smriti Mandhana’s side has notched up five straight wins, securing playoff qualification early. Facing Delhi Capitals at BCA Stadium this Saturday, RCB now boasts enhanced depth in bowling and batting, courtesy of Vastrakar’s recovery.
A nagging shoulder injury in 2024 kept her out, followed by rehab at BCCI’s Bengaluru excellence center. A hamstring strain delayed her WPL integration, yet perseverance brought her back at the perfect juncture.
The team shared their joy on X: ‘Pooja Vastrakar graces Reds again! Wisdom in strides, zeal in approach, velocity in delivery, and might in the slog overs. Reborn tougher after injuries, debunking naysayers. Twelfth Man Army embraces you in red, blue, gold for the next adventure.’
Acquired by RCB for Rs 85 lakh in the previous New Delhi mega auction after MI’s release, Vastrakar’s credentials shine: 72 T20Is with 58 wickets, 33 ODIs yielding 27 wickets and 585 runs including four fifties, five Tests with 15 wickets.
Her 16 WPL games for MI produced seven wickets and 126 runs. As playoffs beckon, Vastrakar’s multifaceted talents make RCB a formidable force, poised for triumph and inspiring a new era of women’s cricket excellence.