Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women have received a timely reinforcement in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 with Pooja Vastrakar officially joining the squad in Vadodara after being cleared from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence following injury rehabilitation. The all-rounder’s return comes as RCB remain unbeaten and firmly placed at the top of the WPL standings, giving the side added balance and options ahead of the crucial latter stages of the league.
Vastrakar’s WPL campaign got off to a delayed start after she was ruled out for the first two weeks with a hamstring issue while training at the COE. RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan had explained that the injury occurred just prior to her expected release, complicating her fitness timeline. Now fully cleared to resume training and available for selection, Vastrakar adds depth to a team that has already made a statement this season.
Vastrakar is a proven performer in T20 cricket, known for her ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Across 72 T20 Internationals for India, she has taken 58 wickets at an average of about 21.41. With the bat she brings lower-order power, scoring runs at a strike rate north of 114 in T20Is, which can be particularly valuable in crunch situations. Vastrakar was also a part of the winning squad of Mumbai Indians in 2023 as she took 7 wickets and 126 runs.
RCB’s performance in the WPL 2026 so far has been remarkable. They have won all of their first five matches to sit at the top of the points table with the qualification mark beside them. This includes standout batting displays from captain Smriti Mandhana, who narrowly missed a maiden WPL century, and key innings from uncapped talent Gautami Naik, who smashed a match-winning 73 off 55 balls to secure RCB’s fifth consecutive win.
RCB’s success has not been one-dimensional. The bowling unit has been equally effective, with off-spinner Shreyanka Patil producing a five-wicket haul in a dominant win over Gujarat Giants, and seam and spin options collectively keeping opposition totals in check. In combination, these efforts have positioned RCB as the team to beat in the 2026 WPL campaign.
With Vastrakar now available, RCB’s squad balance potentially becomes even stronger. Her inclusion gives the franchise more flexibility when selecting the playing XI. Specifically, she could slot in as a bowling all-rounder, offering additional seam strength while providing the ability to score quick runs down the order. This versatility allows RCB to adjust their combination depending on match conditions and opposition tactics, especially as the tournament moves to Vadodara.
Her return also sends a positive message about RCB’s preparation for the second half of the league. Managing workloads, injuries and player rotation is a crucial part of dominating a competition as condensed as the WPL and having a high-quality all-rounder like Vastrakar fit and ready can only enhance RCB’s championship credentials. As the league progresses toward the playoffs, Vastrakar’s presence gives RCB another weapon to deploy in search of a second WPL title.
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