Pooja Vastrakar Rejoins the RCB Squad, Set For WPL Return After Injury Recovery

January 23, 2026: India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has recovered from injury and rejoined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the rest of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. Her return comes at a crucial time, giving RCB a strong boost ahead of the playoffs.

RCB signed Vastrakar for ₹85 lakh at the auction in New Delhi. The India all-rounder adds balance to the team with her pace bowling and lower-order batting, which the 2024 champions were looking to strengthen as they push for another title.

Vastrakar has been away from competitive cricket since late 2024 due to a shoulder injury. She completed her recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and was expected to join the team before the season began. However, a hamstring injury just days before her clearance delayed her return and kept her at the CoE for a longer period.

RCB welcome Pooja Vastrakar back from injury

Royal Challengers Bengaluru welcomed Pooja Vastrakar with a special message on X after her return. “Starring in red ft. Pooja Vastrakar. Experience in her stride, strength in her run, pace in her hand, and power down the order. Back from injury and stronger than ever. 12th Man Army, welcome Pooja as she begins her next chapter in red, blue, and gold,” the 2024 champions wrote.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ft. Pooja Vastrakar ❤️‍🔥

Experience in her stride, resilience in her run,
With pace in hand and power down the order, the job gets done. ⚡🏏

Back from injury, stronger than ever, proving the naysayers wrong! 👊

12th Man Army, welcome Pooja as she… pic.twitter.com/18LK6fFQal

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 22, 2026

When will Pooja Vastrakar play?

Earlier, IANS reported that Vastrakar reached Vadodara on Monday after getting clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). She was expected to join the RCB squad after their match against the Gujarat Giants.

The Indian all-rounder has played 72 T20Is, taking 58 wickets at an economy rate of 6.39, with best figures of 4 for 13. She has also scored 332 runs in the format. In the WPL, she has played 16 matches for the Mumbai Indians, picking up seven wickets and scoring 126 runs.

Injury setbacks and return

Vastrakar’s road to the WPL 2026 season was not easy. The 26-year-old from Madhya Pradesh was out of action since late 2024 due to a shoulder injury and spent a long time in rehabilitation at the CoE. Just when she was close to full fitness, a hamstring injury delayed her return and forced her to miss the early matches.

Despite the setbacks, Vastrakar finally arrived in Vadodara and shared a selfie in her RCB jersey at the Vivanta by Taj hotel. The moment pleased fans and showed she is ready to play. Her return adds an important bowling option and strength to the lower order as RCB prepare for the high-pressure playoff stage.