![RCB game-changer to miss WPL 2026 matches [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768023314324_RCB all rounder misses out.jpg)
RCB game-changer to miss WPL 2026 matches [Source: AFP]
Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar will remain away from cricket for the next two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury. This update came directly from RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan after the team’s first match of the Women’s Premier League 2026 against Mumbai Indians.
RCB coach shares update on Pooja Vastrakar
Malolan Rangarajan explained that Pooja Vastrakar was not available for selection during the opening match. He shared that nearly two weeks before her release from the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, she picked up a hamstring problem.
“I think two days prior to her release from the [BCCI’s Centre of Excellence], she unfortunately tweaked her hamstring,” Malolan Rangarajan said at the post-match press conference.
“The information we have at the moment is that she’s going to [need] two weeks more. It’s a hamstring issue. She was there for her shoulder and now it’s a hamstring issue. So it’s a week-by-week process. So let’s see where she’s at," he added.
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Pooja Vastrakar's WPL 2026 return delayed despite high expectations
Earlier, she was undergoing treatment at the Centre of Excellence for a shoulder concern, and now the focus has shifted to her hamstring rehabilitation. The coaching staff is closely monitoring her condition on a weekly basis and will decide her return depending on progress.
It is important to mention that the 26-year-old cricketer from Madhya Pradesh has not played competitive cricket since 2024.
Notably, she was expected to return fully fit for the WPL 2026 season and had been signed by RCB for Rs. 85 lakh. However, her absence from the opening game against the Mumbai Indians came as a disappointment for fans eagerly waiting for her comeback.
RCB’s strong start in WPL 2026
Even without Pooja Vastrakar, RCB began their WPL 2026 campaign on a positive note. The team registered a thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians. RCB won the toss and chose to field first.
Mumbai Indians were struggling at 67 for four wickets, after which an 82-run partnership between S Sajana and Nicola Carey helped them reach a total of 154 for six. Nadine de Klerk and Lauren Bell delivered impressive bowling spells to restrict the opposition.
While chasing the target, RCB started confidently with Grace Harris and captain Smriti Mandhana providing a solid opening stand. Mumbai Indians fought back through Amelia Kerr’s tight bowling spell, which reduced RCB to five wickets down.
Later, an important partnership between Nadine de Klerk and Arundhati Reddy kept RCB in the contest. In the final over, Nadine de Klerk played a match-winning knock, smashing key boundaries to seal the victory. She remained unbeaten on 63 runs off 44 balls and emerged as the star of the match.
Hayley Matthews sidelined with shoulder strain
On the same day, Mumbai Indians also missed the services of Hayley Matthews, who is recovering from a shoulder strain. Head coach Lisa Keightley mentioned that Matthews is very close to full fitness and may return soon.
"Unfortunately, her shoulder isn't great. While training, she got a slight strain and she's really close (to play),” Lisa Keightley said.
Following their narrow loss, Mumbai Indians are set to face Delhi Capitals at the DY Patil Stadium.
