Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Malolan Rangarajan disclosed that Pooja Vastrakar sustained a hamstring injury, sidelining her for RCB’s Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 opening game against Mumbai Indians. Vastrakar will be out for at least two more weeks, confirmed the coach.
RCB, without Vastrakar, clinched a thrilling victory against Mumbai Indians, led by Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten half-century. Vastrakar, a recent addition to RCB from MI, suffered the hamstring injury just before being released from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, where she was rehabilitating a shoulder injury.
Rangarajan stated, “Pooja Vastrakar is not available for selection due to a hamstring issue. She will be sidelined for two more weeks. It’s a week-by-week recovery process.” Vastrakar’s absence led RCB to field Linsey Smith and Arundhati Reddy, with de Klerk shining with a significant all-round performance.
RCB’s next match is against UP Warriorz at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Monday.
