Pooja Vastrakar: The All-Rounder Shattering Records in Women's Cricket
Source : Public Relations
News Date : 2025-06-18
Pooja Vastrakar – a name that’s beginning to sound like a household staple in the world of women’s cricket. Born on September 25, 1999, in Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh, she’s not just another cricketer; she’s a fierce all-rounder who can bowl, bat, and, more importantly, electrify games with her high-octane performances. To say that she’s climbed the ranks of Indian cricket would be an understatement. Let’s break down her phenomenal journey, shall we?
Most cricketers tell stories of carrying their gear on public transport or playing on dusty streets with nothing but grit and a dream. Pooja’s story is no different. Growing up playing with boys in her hometown of Shahdol, she developed her skills in an environment that was equal parts challenging and invigorating. It’s this kind of background that gives her an edge over many other cricketers. Don’t you love a good underdog story?
Vastrakar made her international debut against South Africa in 2018, and from there, it was clear that the girl had some serious game. She’s known for her dynamic bowling—a right-arm medium pace bowler with a knack for removing key batsmen. With her unique blend of pace and movement, she quickly earned the label of a "new-ball bowler that can pack a punch". But let’s be real here: it’s her ability with the bat that has turned heads in recent matches.
In a match against England, Vastrakar joined forces with her teammates to chase down a daunting target, and boy, did she deliver! Coming in to bat when the going got tough, she hit a quick-fire 50 off just 30 balls, showcasing her true all-rounder skills. Talk about making an entrance!
What’s fascinating is that Pooja’s batting isn’t just about brute force; she’s got a certain technical finesse that allows her to read the game as it unfolds. Her average of 30.45 in ODIs and a striking rate that hovers around 90 tell you she’s not just for show! Her performance in the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup against Australia, where she took 3 wickets for 30 runs, cemented her position in the hearts of fans and selectors alike. Heady stuff!
Let’s not skip over the duality of being an all-rounder—where one foot is firmly planted in strategy mode and the other in execution mode. Vastrakar's performances often reflect this blend. Take the match against Sri Lanka, for example, where she bowled out the opposition in spectacular style with an uncanny knack for seam movement. Her bowling line was so accurate, it felt like she was plug-and-play with her in-game analytics. Coach Ramesh Powar praised her saying, "She has that special ability to turn pressure into performance. She thrives in challenging situations". If that doesn’t pump you up, what will?
The WIPL (Women’s Indian Premier League) has also been a game-changer for Vastrakar’s career. Playing for the Mumbai Indians, she struts onto the field like she owns it. This league has not only elevated her performance but has also given her a platform to showcase her skills on an international level. The crowds are roaring, and rightly so; she’s become a poster child for many aspiring female cricketers across the nation.
Of course, with stardom comes challenges. Injuries have sidelined her from major tournaments, including the recent WPL 2025. News of her ruling out due to injuries sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Will we see the same Pooja in the coming seasons? That’s a question on everyone’s mind. But knowing Vastrakar, she’ll come back with a vengeance, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. With words of encouragement from star players and coaches around her, this is just a hurdle in a long road ahead.
Now, here’s a fun anecdote: During a practice session, an overzealous net bowler accidentally delivered a bouncer straight towards her head. Vastrakar ducked, let it sail by, and then came back to hit the next ball for a six over long-on. She laughed it off, quipping, "I’ve never ducked from a challenge in my life—except when my sister is cooking!" Who knew an all-rounder like her had such a good sense of humor?
On a more analytical note, let’s dive into the stats. Vastrakar boasts an impressive T20 strike rate of over 130 and an ODI bowling average of 23.89. Her contribution to the team extends beyond personal achievements; she consistently enhances the team’s performance by playing integral roles in crucial matches. Coaches often refer to her as a "game changer"—and for good reason!
As we look towards the future, the trajectory of Pooja Vastrakar’s career is one that fans should watch keenly. Her tenacity, skill, and never-back-down attitude promise to deliver some dramatic on-field moments in years to come. In her own words, "I’m just getting started. The best is yet to come!" If that’s not a rallying cry for aspiring cricketers everywhere, I don’t know what is!
So, to wrap things up like a fine piece of cricket gear, Pooja Vastrakar isn’t just a player; she’s an inspiration, a formidable all-rounder, and a burgeoning star in women’s cricket. The fact that she can switch roles from a finisher to a strike bowler showcases her versatility, which is becoming rare in the sport today. As she continues to break records and push boundaries, one thing’s for sure: if you’re not watching Pooja play, you’re missing out on one of the best shows in cricket!