Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed that India all‑rounder Pooja Vastrakar is set to miss at least two weeks of Women’s Premier League (WPL) matches due to a hamstring injury following the team’s three‑wicket win against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the tournament opener at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
When will Pooja Vastrakar feature for RCB?
The 26-year-old all-rounder has been out of action since 2024 due to a shoulder issue for which she had surgery last year. She has been doing her rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. She was picked by RCB for Rs. 85 Lakh but did not feature for the side in its campaign opener against the Mumbai Indians.
“Pooja Vastrakar is not available for selection. Two days prior to her release from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, she unfortunately tweaked her hamstring. It’s going to take two weeks more. She was there for her shoulder and has now picked up a hamstring issue,” said RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan told reporters after the side’s thrilling three-wicket win over defending champion MI.
Nadine de Klerk's four-wicket haul, followed by a match-winning 44-ball 63* helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to register three wicket win against defending champions Mumbai Indians.
Hayley Matthews missed WPL opener vs RCB
Earlier in the day, all-rounder Hayley Matthews also unable to feature for Mumbai Indians due to shoulder injury.
"Unfortunately, her shoulder isn't great. While training, she got a slight strain and she's really close (to play). It was a bit too close for her to play tonight. We will see how she goes tomorrow, and if she's fit for tomorrow's game. But she is really close."
After losing the tournament opener against RCB, Harmanpreet-led Mumbai Indians will now face Delhi Capitals in their second clash on January 10 at the same venue.