The buzz around Women’s Premier League 2026 has been dampened by an injury update from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Pooja Vastrakar, the dynamic India pacer, has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury and will miss the next two weeks of action, throwing RCB’s preparations into disarray.
Details emerged after Vastrakar felt discomfort during a high-intensity session. Scans revealed a minor tear, standard for hamstring woes, but enough to bench her temporarily. This comes at a time when RCB was fine-tuning combinations for the tournament opener.
Vastrakar’s role in the side is multifaceted – leading the seam attack, contributing with the bat, and providing leadership in the field. Her absence tests RCB’s squad depth, with coach Lisa Keightley emphasizing the need for others to step up.
Looking back, similar injuries plagued RCB last season, yet they reached the playoffs. This time, the mega auction has brought fresh talent, but integrating them without Vastrakar will be challenging. The BCCI’s injury surveillance program is now under scrutiny.
RCB fans, still smarting from past final heartbreaks, see this as another hurdle. However, the silver lining is the two-week timeline, potentially allowing a comeback. As the league nears, RCB’s resilience will be key to overcoming this blow and chasing glory.