Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a significant setback ahead of their Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 campaign as India pace-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar was ruled out for at least two weeks due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old, who was bought by RCB for ₹85 lakh during the November 2025 auction, was expected to make her return to competitive cricket in the tournament after missing action since the T20 World Cup in October 2024. RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed the injury following the team's opening match victory on Friday.

According to Rangarajan, Vastrakar had been recovering at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a prior shoulder issue when she unfortunately tweaked her hamstring just two weeks before being released. "The information that we have is that she will be there for two weeks more," he said. "It's a week-by-week process. So let's see where she is at." The injury has deprived RCB of a key all-rounder who brings valuable pace, seam movement, and lower-order batting depth to the side.

Despite Vastrakar's absence, RCB started their WPL 2026 journey on a high note, defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians by three wickets in a thrilling last-ball finish. South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk played a starring role, claiming 4/26 with the ball and then anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls. New recruits Linsey Smith, Arundhati Reddy, and de Klerk shouldered the bowling responsibilities effectively, restricting Mumbai Indians to 154/6. In the run chase, RCB recovered from a precarious 65/5 to secure the win, with Reddy contributing 20 off 25 in a crucial 52-run sixth-wicket stand.

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Rangarajan praised the team's resilience and de Klerk's composure under pressure. "Nadine was very clear with her plan," he noted, highlighting her strategic approach during the chase. "The value of all-rounders came to the fore." He also acknowledged the challenge of managing without Vastrakar but expressed confidence in the squad's depth as the tournament progresses.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians were without their captain, Hayley Matthews, who is recovering from a shoulder strain. Head coach Lisa Keightley said Matthews was "really close" to playing, but it was "a bit too close" for the opener. RCB will next face UP Warriorz Women on Monday, while Mumbai Indians take on Delhi Capitals on Saturday at the DY Patil Stadium. Vastrakar's recovery timeline remains uncertain, leaving RCB to navigate the early phase of the season without one of their key Indian talents.

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