Pooja Vastrakar

Pooja Vastrakar

Pooja Vastrakar, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, commenced her cricket journey much like many girls, initially playing with the boys. Starting as a batter in age-group cricket, her transition to bowling happened swiftly, and by the age of 19 in 2018, she earned a spot in the Indian team as an opening bowler, showcasing her prowess on the international stage.

History:

India’s talented cricketer Pooja Vastrakar was born on 25 September 199 in Madhya Pradesh. The all-rounder is a real gem of Indian cricket. Pooja Vastrakar kicked off her cricket journey by playing with local boys in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. Her talent came to light during net batting practice at the stadium, where coach Ashutosh Shrivastava recognized her potential and initiated formal training. Initially, she focused on batting but later added fast bowling to her repertoire when she joined the Madhya Pradesh team. At just 15, she became part of the India Green Women Squad.

However, a setback occurred in 2016 during a senior women’s domestic match when Vastrakar twisted her knee, leading to surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament tear. This raised concerns about her National call-up. Nevertheless, she rebounded, and the Challenger Trophy in 2018 played a crucial role in her selection for India’s South Africa tour.

Team:

Pooja Vastrakar, a rising cricket star, donned the Indian colors for the first time in February 2018, marking her debut in both ODI and T20I formats against South Africa. Known for her dual prowess in batting and fast bowling, she swiftly made her presence felt on the international stage.

 In June 2021, Vastrakar achieved another milestone when she earned her Test cap against England, solidifying her position as a key player for India. Her journey showcases not only her cricketing talent but also her ability to adapt and excel across different formats, making her a valuable asset to the Indian national team since 2018.

In October 2018, she found a spot in India’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies. Unfortunately, a setback occurred as she sustained an injury during a warm-up match, forcing her to miss the tournament. Undeterred, she made a comeback and was selected for India’s squad in January 2020 for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Adding to her accomplishments, in May 2021, she earned a spot in India‘s Test squad for a one-off match against the England women’s cricket team. Her journey continued into the next year as she secured her place in India’s team for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, showcasing her resilience and commitment to the game.

Apart from that, Vastrakar played in a few T20 leagues worldwide. In the WPl, she represents Mumbai Indians. She is also a part of the Brisbane Heat Women and Supernovas. 

Having played seven matches, she showcased her batting prowess, amassing a total of 71 runs with an impressive strike rate of 144.89. Although a maiden half-century eluded her, she maintained a commendable average of 23.66. 

With a total of two wickets in three innings, she demonstrated her knack for breaking through opposition defenses. The impressive strike rate of 12.00 and an average of 11.50 showcased her bowling acumen. Despite the challenges, her economy rate stood at 5.75, a testament to her ability to keep things tight on the field. 

Achievements and Awards:

In the thrilling arenas of the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, our cricket sensation proudly represented India and left an everlasting mark. The dazzling city of Hangzhou witnessed her stellar performance, where she played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal for India in the Women’s Cricket event during the 2022 Asian Games. Her determination and skills shone brightly, bringing glory to the nation.

Fast forward to the iconic city of Birmingham for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she once again showcased her mettle on the cricket field. The silver medal adorned her achievements as she played a crucial role in India’s impressive journey in the Women’s Cricket competition. With a heart full of pride and dedication, she added significant chapters to India’s sporting legacy, leaving fans in awe and anticipation of more triumphs on the global stage.

Stats:

In her remarkable cricket journey, she’s showcased her prowess across formats. With 14 wickets in Tests, including a best of 4/53, she’s proven her mettle. In the ODI arena, she’s claimed 23 scalps, with a best of 4/34, while in T20Is, she’s been formidable, bagging 40 wickets with a best of 4/17.

She’s displayed her batting prowess in different formats. In Tests, she’s notched up 111 runs at an average of 27.75. Stepping into the ODIs, she’s been impactful with 554 runs, averaging 24.08, and notching four half-centuries. In the fast-paced T20Is, her aggressive style has brought her 305 runs at a strike rate of 116.85.

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