Vadodara, 22 January (H.S.): Royal Challengers Bengaluru gained a significant boost on Thursday as star Indian all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar rejoined the team after injury recovery, while Gujarat Giants replaced injured Titas Sadhu with Jintimani Kalita ahead of the Women's Premier League 2026 playoffs.
India's pace bowler and all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar had been sidelined for months due to a shoulder injury sustained late 2024, undergoing rigorous rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Fully fit now, she will feature in RCB's remaining WPL 2026 matches, bolstering their playoff charge.
RCB announced on X: Experience in her steps, grit in her stride, pace in her hand, and power in her batting – the job gets done. Back from injury, stronger than ever, Pooja Vastrakar starts her new chapter.
Vastrakar has represented India in 72 T20Is, claiming 58 wickets and scoring 332 runs; in WPL with Mumbai Indians, she played 16 matches, taking 7 wickets and amassing 126 runs.
Gujarat Giants brought in left-handed batter and right-arm medium-fast bowler Jintimani Kalita for the injured Titas Sadhu. Kalita, who previously played 13 WPL matches for Mumbai Indians, secured a Rs 10 lakh contract with GG this season, adding depth to their squad.
Captain Smriti Mandhana's RCB has won five matches to confirm playoff qualification, with their next clash against Delhi Capitals scheduled for Saturday at BCA Stadium. Vastrakar's return and Kalita's inclusion heighten the excitement for WPL 2026 playoffs.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
