WPL 2026: RCB Faces Setback as Smriti Mandhana is Ruled Out for Several Weeks
India’s Pooja Vastrakar, a pace-bowling all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been sidelined for a minimum of two weeks due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old, who last competed in the T20 World Cup in October 2024, was expected to make her comeback in the Women’s Premier League after being acquired for Rs 85 lakh during the auction last November. Her absence was confirmed by RCB’s head coach Malolan Rangarajan following the team’s opening match against Mumbai Indians, where they triumphed in a thrilling finish.
Pooja Vastrakar’s Injury Update
Pooja Vastrakar’s injury has raised concerns for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they navigate the Women’s Premier League. Coach Malolan Rangarajan revealed that Vastrakar was not available for selection against the Mumbai Indians due to a hamstring issue she sustained two weeks prior to her release from the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This injury follows her earlier recovery from a shoulder problem, making her situation a week-by-week assessment. The team is hopeful for her return, but for now, they must adapt without her crucial all-round capabilities.
RCB’s Thrilling Victory Over Mumbai Indians
In the absence of Vastrakar, Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to secure a dramatic victory against the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, by three wickets. The match concluded in a nail-biting finish, with RCB chasing down a target of 155 runs. South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk played a pivotal role, delivering an outstanding performance with both bat and ball. She took 4 wickets for 26 runs and scored 63 runs off 44 balls, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. RCB found themselves in a precarious position at 65 for 5, but de Klerk’s steady presence helped steer the team to victory.
Team Adjustments and Player Performances
With Vastrakar out, RCB turned to new signings, including England’s Linsey Smith and Arundhati Reddy, to bolster their bowling attack. The team managed to restrict Mumbai Indians to 154 runs, demonstrating effective bowling strategies despite the absence of their key player. Coach Rangarajan praised de Klerk’s clear game plan and her ability to lead the team through challenging moments. Reddy also contributed significantly, scoring 20 runs in a crucial sixth-wicket partnership that helped stabilize the innings.
Injury Concerns for Mumbai Indians
On the other side, Mumbai Indians faced their own injury challenges. Star player Hayley Matthews was unable to participate due to a shoulder strain. Head coach Lisa Keightley noted that Matthews was close to returning but ultimately could not play in the match against RCB. The team is optimistic about her recovery and is monitoring her condition closely as they prepare for their next game against Delhi Capitals. The upcoming matches will be crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their standings in the Women’s Premier League.
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