Pooja Vastrakar out for two weeks with hamstring injury

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a setback as pace bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has officially been ruled out for two weeks due to a hamstring injury. RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed this development following their thrilling WPL 2026 opening victory against Mumbai Indians on Friday.

Rangarajan explained that Vastrakar tweaked her hamstring at the Centre of Excellence prior to joining the squad, complicating her previous recovery from a shoulder issue. She remains under a week-by-week monitoring process. Despite missing Vastrakar, RCB secured a dramatic last-ball win, driven by Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 63 off 44 deliveries. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians also faced injury woes, as all-rounder Hayley Matthews missed the opener with a shoulder strain.

Head coach Lisa Keightley indicated that Matthews is nearing full fitness and might return soon. Defending champions Mumbai Indians look to bounce back against Delhi Capitals this Saturday at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.