Excitement is palpable among Royal Challengers Bengaluru faithful as Pooja Vastrakar marks her return to the WPL 2026 lineup ahead of the playoffs. The dynamic all-rounder, sidelined by injuries, has linked up with the team, providing a timely boost to their campaign.
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, remains unbeaten with five successive triumphs, already advancing to the next phase. Their upcoming fixture against Delhi Capitals at BCA Stadium on Saturday now looks even more promising with Vastrakar back in the mix.
Plagued by a 2024 shoulder problem, Vastrakar underwent dedicated recovery at BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. A hamstring setback further tested her patience, but she’s emerged fitter and fiercer for the playoffs push.
RCB’s warm social media reception captured the moment: ‘Pooja Vastrakar returns to Reds! Steps full of savvy, run-up packed with fire, arm loaded with pace, tail-end brimming with power. Stronger from setbacks, defying skeptics. Welcome to the Twelfth Man Army in our red, blue, gold saga.’
Snagged for Rs 85 lakh by RCB post-release from Mumbai Indians in last year’s Delhi auction, Vastrakar boasts an impressive resume: 58 wickets in 72 T20Is, 27 ODI wickets alongside 585 runs (four half-tons) in 33 games, and 15 Test wickets from five matches.
In 16 WPL appearances for MI, she grabbed seven wickets and amassed 126 runs. Vastrakar’s all-phase contributions could propel RCB towards repeating as champions, turning playoff dreams into reality with her indomitable spirit.