Royal Challengers Bengaluru have suffered an early setback in the Women’s Premier League 2026, with star all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar set to miss the initial matches due to a hamstring injury. RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed that Vastrakar picked up the injury just days before her release from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, where she was recovering from a shoulder issue, and is expected to remain sidelined for at least two weeks. Despite her absence, RCB made a strong start to their campaign with a thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians, led by a match-winning unbeaten 63 from Nadine de Klerk, while Mumbai also missed key all-rounder Hayley Matthews, who is nearing a return from a shoulder strain. So let’s know about Pooja Vastrakar missing RCB matches in WPL 2026.
Coach Confirms Return Timeline
Addressing the media after the match, Rangarajan explained that the hamstring injury occurred just days before Vastrakar’s scheduled release from the Centre of Excellence.
“Two days before her release, she unfortunately tweaked her hamstring. At the moment, we’ve been told she’ll need around two more weeks. It’s something we’re monitoring on a week-by-week basis,” the RCB coach said.
The team management will reassess her fitness regularly before deciding on her return to competitive action.
Setback After Long Injury Layoff
Vastrakar has not featured in competitive cricket since 2024, making her delayed comeback particularly disappointing for fans. She was expected to play a key role for RCB after being signed for ₹85 lakh ahead of the WPL 2026 season. However, the hamstring setback has pushed her return further down the line.
RCB Start Campaign with Dramatic Win
Despite missing their key all-rounder, RCB made an impressive start to their WPL 2026 campaign with a thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians.
After opting to field first, RCB restricted MI to 154 for 6, thanks to disciplined bowling from Lauren Bell and Nadine de Klerk. Mumbai struggled early at 67 for four before S Sajana and Nicola Carey added 82 runs to steady the innings.
Chasing the target, RCB began strongly through Grace Harris and skipper Smriti Mandhana. Mumbai fought back with Amelia Kerr’s tight spell, leaving RCB five wickets down. However, a calm and crucial partnership between Nadine de Klerk and Arundhati Reddy kept RCB in the hunt.
De Klerk finished the chase in style, smashing key boundaries in the final over to remain unbeaten on 63 off 44 balls, sealing a memorable win.
Hayley Matthews Also Misses Opening Match
Mumbai Indians were also without star all-rounder Hayley Matthews, who is recovering from a shoulder strain. MI head coach Lisa Keightley confirmed that Matthews is close to full fitness and could return soon.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Pooja Vastrakar missing WPL 2026 matches?
Pooja Vastrakar is sidelined due to a hamstring injury picked up shortly before her release from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
Q2. How long will Pooja Vastrakar be out of action?
According to RCB coach Malolan Rangarajan, she is expected to miss at least two more weeks, with her return assessed on a week-by-week basis.
Q3. Was Pooja Vastrakar already injured before WPL 2026?
Yes, she was previously recovering from a shoulder issue and was undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence.
Q4. How much did RCB pay for Pooja Vastrakar in WPL 2026?
RCB signed Pooja Vastrakar for ₹85 lakh ahead of the WPL 2026 season.
Q5. How did RCB perform in their opening match without Vastrakar?
RCB won a thrilling last-ball match against Mumbai Indians, with Nadine de Klerk scoring an unbeaten 63 to seal the victory.
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