Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt an early blow in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, with India fast-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar set to miss at least the first two weeks of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. The setback has delayed what was expected to be her return to competitive cricket after a long spell on the sidelines.
RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed that Vastrakar sustained the injury shortly before being released from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, where she had been undergoing rehabilitation for a shoulder issue. According to Rangarajan, the pacer will require around two more weeks before she can be reassessed, with her recovery being monitored on a week-by-week basis.
The Bengaluru franchise had invested heavily in Vastrakar at the auction, securing her services for INR 85 lakh, viewing her as a key figure in balancing their team combination. Her absence was felt in RCB’s opening fixture of the season against defending champions Mumbai Indians, although the team managed to register a dramatic last-over victory without her.
In Vastrakar’s absence, RCB turned to their other all-round options, a strategy that paid dividends. England spinner Linsey Smith opened the bowling, while Arundhati Reddy operated as first change. The standout performer was Nadine de Klerk, who delivered a match-winning all-round display, becoming only the second player in WPL history to score a half-century and take four wickets in the same match. Reddy also played a vital supporting role with the bat during a crucial recovery phase of the chase.
Rangarajan highlighted the importance of all-rounders in modern T20 cricket, praising the clarity and composure shown by de Klerk during the run chase. He also lauded the contributions of the supporting cast as RCB recovered from a precarious position to successfully chase down a target of 152.
RCB will now shift focus to their next encounter against UP Warriorz at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, while keeping a close watch on Vastrakar’s rehabilitation timeline.
