In a thrilling development for Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans, star all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has made a stunning comeback from injury just ahead of the Women’s Premier League 2026 playoffs. The pace-bowling sensation rejoined the team in New Delhi, injecting fresh energy into an already dominant RCB squad.
Under captain Smriti Mandhana’s leadership, RCB has been on a roll, securing five consecutive victories in the ongoing WPL season. Having already qualified for the next stage, the 2024 champions are gearing up for a crucial clash against Delhi Capitals at BCA Stadium this Saturday. Vastrakar’s timely return couldn’t come at a better moment, bolstering their bowling attack and lower-order batting firepower.
Vastrakar’s journey back to the field wasn’t easy. A shoulder injury sidelined her throughout 2024, followed by rigorous rehabilitation at BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Just when she was set to rejoin RCB, a hamstring niggle delayed her integration, but her determination has paid off.
RCB celebrated her arrival on social media, hailing her as the ‘Twelfth Man Army’ with a post that read: ‘Pooja Vastrakar is back in Reds! Experience in her steps, passion in her run-up, pace in her hand, and power in the lower order. Stronger than ever after injury, proving critics wrong. Welcome, Pooja, as she starts a new chapter in red, blue, and gold.’
Previously released by Mumbai Indians, Vastrakar was snapped up by RCB for Rs 85 lakh in last year’s mega auction in New Delhi. Her international record speaks volumes: 58 wickets in 72 T20Is, 27 wickets and 585 runs (including four half-centuries) in 33 ODIs, plus 15 wickets in five Tests.
In WPL, she featured in 16 matches for MI, claiming seven wickets and scoring 126 runs. With playoffs looming, Vastrakar’s versatility could be the game-changer RCB needs to defend their title and chase glory once more. Fans are buzzing with excitement as their team looks unstoppable.