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Pooja Vastrakar Joins RCB for WPL 2026 Playoff Push After Injury Recovery

Indian seam-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has arrived in Vadodara to immediately link up with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for the rest of the WPL 2026 campaign. Her arrival comes after an extended rehabilitation period at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, following a shoulder injury and a subsequent hamstring issue. Vastrakar, who was bought by RCB for Rs 85 lakh, brings valuable T20I experience but has seen her career frequently hampered by fitness problems. Her availability is a timely boost for RCB as they look to secure a playoff spot in the ongoing season.

Key Points: Pooja Vastrakar Joins RCB for WPL 2026 After Injury

  • Joins RCB after rehab and injury setbacks
  • Missed Navi Mumbai leg with hamstring issue
  • Bought for Rs 85 lakh in mega auction
  • Expected to strengthen bowling for playoffs
2 min read

WPL 2026: RCB's Pooja Vastrakar set to join the franchise after arriving in Vadodara

India all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar arrives in Vadodara to join RCB for the remainder of WPL 2026, boosting their playoff qualification bid.

"Pooja has reached Vadodara after receiving clearance from the CoE. - sources to IANS"

New Delhi, Jan 19

India's seam-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar is set to link up with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru after arriving in Vadodara on Monday. Pooja has been out of competitive action since late 2024 due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery in 2025.

She had been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and was to link up with RCB ahead of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. But two days before her release, she unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury and had to spend more time at CoE for total recovery.

That injury led to the highly-rated Pooja, 26, missing the Navi Mumbai leg of WPL 2026. "Pooja has reached Vadodara after receiving clearance from the CoE. Though she was initially scheduled to join RCB tomorrow, she will now link up with the team immediately after their ongoing game against Gujarat Giants is over and remain with them for the rest of their WPL 2026 campaign," sources told IANS on Monday.

Pooja was bought by the 2024 winner RCB for Rs 85 lakh in last year's mega auction held in New Delhi, after not being retained by defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). Despite being one of the feisty all-rounders in the game, Pooja's career has been hampered by a string of fitness issues, including anterior cruciate ligament problems and a recurring knee injury.

Pooja has featured in 72 T20Is for India, picking 58 wickets at an economy rate of 6.39, with best figures of 4-13. She has also contributed 332 runs with the bat in T20Is. In the WPL, Pooja has played 16 matches for MI, picking seven wickets and scoring 126 runs, and was a member of their 2023 title-winning campaign.

Pooja's availability for the rest of the WPL is expected to strengthen RCB's in-form bowling unit, especially with the 2024 champions on the verge of being the first team to qualify for the ongoing season's playoffs.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As a fan, I'm thrilled, but also worried. Her injury history is a real concern. The BCCI and RCB management need to handle her with extreme care. We can't afford to lose a talent like her to another long break.
A
Aman W
MI's loss is RCB's gain! She was a key part of their 2023 win. At 85 lakhs, she could be the X-factor for the playoffs. Timing is perfect.
P
Priyanka N
It's heartbreaking to see such a promising player constantly battling injuries. The pressure to perform immediately after rehab must be immense. Wishing her all the best and a injury-free season ahead! 🙏
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David E
Interesting move. Her T20I economy rate of 6.39 is very solid. If she can bring that control to the middle overs for RCB, it changes their balance completely. Smart pick-up at the auction.
K
Karthik V
Hamstring injury just before release... that's so unlucky! But glad the CoE didn't rush her. Player health should always come first, even if it means missing a few games. Welcome to Vadodara, Pooja!

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