Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has suffered a significant setback at the start of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, with their star all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar ruled out for at least two weeks due to a hamstring injury. The unfortunate news was confirmed by RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan following the team's thrilling victory against the Mumbai Indians in their opening match of the season on Friday, January 9.
Vastrakar, a key player for both India and RCB, was expected to play a crucial role in the team's campaign. The 26-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder was acquired by RCB for ₹85 lakh. Her absence will undoubtedly impact the team's balance and strategy in the initial phase of the tournament.
According to Rangarajan, Vastrakar sustained the hamstring injury while at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where she was already undergoing rehabilitation for a shoulder issue. "Pooja Vastrakar was not available for selection [against Mumbai Indians]," Rangarajan stated. "Two weeks prior to her release from the CoE (Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru), she unfortunately tweaked her hamstring. The information that we have is that she will be there for two weeks more". He added, "Earlier, she was there [at the CoE] for her shoulder; now she has a hamstring issue. It's a week-by-week process. So let's see where she is at".
Vastrakar's recent injury adds to her struggles with fitness. She has faced multiple setbacks in recent years, including ACL issues, recurring knee problems, and a major shoulder surgery in 2024. She has not played a competitive game since the T20 World Cup in October 2024. Due to injuries, she also missed marquee events, including the WPL and the ODI World Cup in 2025.
Despite the setback, RCB remains optimistic about Vastrakar's return later in the season. In the meantime, the team will need to carefully manage the workload of other players as they aim for consistency in the WPL 2026 campaign. In the opening game, South African stalwart Nadine de Klerk delivered an all-round performance, helping RCB secure a 3-wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians. De Klerk's performance will be crucial in filling the void left by Vastrakar's absence.
