| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pooja Vastrakar |
| Born | September 25, 1999 |
| Birth Place | Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium-fast |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) |
| Career Information |
|
| Teams |
|
Early Life and Beginnings
Childhood in Shahdol and Discovery of Cricket Passion
Pooja Vastrakar’s journey in cricket began in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, where she would often play with neighborhood boys, showcasing her natural talent. Her skills soon caught the eye of a local coach, Ashutosh Shrivastava, who encouraged her to start formal cricket training.
Under Shrivastava’s guidance, Vastrakar’s passion transformed into a serious pursuit. At 15, she was selected to represent the India Green Women Squad, marking a significant milestone in her budding career. Growing up in Shahdol, her talent and hard work set the foundation for a promising future in cricket.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Matches Played | 5 |
| Test Bowling Balls Bowled | 634 |
| Test Wickets Taken | 15 |
| ODI Matches Played | 33 |
| ODI Bowling Balls Bowled | 1158 |
| ODI Wickets Taken | 27 |
| T20I Matches Played | 72 |
| T20I Bowling Balls Bowled | 1166 |
| T20I Wickets Taken | 58 |
Rising Through the Ranks
Pooja Vastrakar’s career progression is a testament to her resilience. In 2016, she suffered a significant knee injury, leading to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, risking her national call-up. Undeterred, she underwent surgery and rigorous rehabilitation to regain her fitness.
Overcoming Adversity and Joining Madhya Pradesh Team
In 2018, she joined the Madhya Pradesh team and shone in the Challenger Trophy, earning her a spot in India’s tour of South Africa. Her performance in the tournament, showcasing both her batting and bowling skills, led to her national team debut.
| Player | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | T20I Strike Rate: 142.36 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | WPL 2023 Runs: 453 at an average of 45.30 |
| Richa Ghosh | T20I Strike Rate: 134.00 | Total Dismissals in 2023: 45 |
| Pooja Vastrakar | Best ODI Bowling Figures: 4/34 | ODI Runs in 2023: 350 at an average of 31.81 |
| Radha Yadav | T20I Wickets in 2023: 25 at an economy of 6.10 |
International Cricket Debut
Pooja Vastrakar made her much-anticipated international debut for the Indian women’s cricket team in 2018. She debuted in Women’s One Day International (WODI) against South Africa on February 10, 2018. Shortly after, on February 13, she made her Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) debut against the same opponent.
Her entry into the Indian team followed impressive domestic performances for Madhya Pradesh, establishing herself as a right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter, quickly becoming a valuable asset for the Indian squad across formats.
| Debut Format | Date | Against |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s ODI | February 10, 2018 | South Africa Women |
| Women’s T20I | February 13, 2018 | South Africa Women |
Impressive Performances and Consistency
Batting Prowess and Bowling Ability
Pooja Vastrakar has consistently demonstrated her all-rounder abilities, making significant contributions with both bat and ball in ODIs and T20Is. Her impressive performance includes taking 23 wickets in 19 T20Is since the previous World Cup, with an economy rate of 6.61. Her T20I best of 4/13 against South Africa highlights her impact as a bowler.
Her bowling prowess, combined with her batting ability, has elevated her importance in the team. Vastrakar has developed a powerful bowling style and adapted to handling the new ball, thriving even on spin-friendly pitches where fast bowlers often struggle.
| Performance Highlights | Statistics |
|---|---|
| T20I Debut | 2018 |
| T20Is Played Since Last World Cup | 19 out of 20 |
| Wickets Taken | 23 |
| Economy Rate | 6.61 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/13 vs South Africa |
| Wickets in T20I Series vs South Africa | 8 |
| Wickets in T20I Series vs Bangladesh | 5 |
Career Milestones and Achievements
Pooja Vastrakar has achieved several key career milestones that demonstrate her consistency and determination. She has been selected in India’s squads for notable tournaments, including the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20, 2020 T20 World Cup, 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Her journey also inspires young athletes in her hometown, Shahdol, one of India’s poorer regions. Her achievements have encouraged young girls to participate in sports, transforming perspectives toward female athletes.
| Milestone | Description |
|---|---|
| International Debut | Made her debut at age 18, setting a world record for a No. 9 batter with a half-century against Australia in her second innings. |
| International Matches | Played 2 Tests, 14 ODIs, and 24 T20Is since her 2018 debut. |
| Highest Career Score | Scored 67 off 59 in her 14th ODI match, her highest score across all formats. |
| World Cup Record | Set a record 7th-wicket stand of 122 runs with Sneh Rana in the ICC Women’s World Cup. |
Representing India at Major Tournaments
2018 ICC Women’s World T20 and 2020 T20 World Cup
Pooja Vastrakar’s journey on the international stage has been remarkable. She represented India in the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 tournament in the West Indies, though an injury during a warm-up match unfortunately ruled her out early on. Despite this setback, Vastrakar was undeterred and continued to progress.
In 2020, she was once again selected in India’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, marking her return to the world stage. This tournament proved to be an important milestone in her career as she gained valuable experience competing at the highest level.
| Tournament | Year | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 | 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 T20 World Cup | 2020 | 5 | 29 | 4 |
Personal Impact and Role Model Status
Pooja Vastrakar’s journey from Shahdol to representing India internationally has inspired countless young girls across the country. Her success story is a beacon of hope, especially for aspiring female cricketers from small towns, demonstrating that with resilience and hard work, they too can reach the pinnacle of their dreams.
Her positive influence has helped shift local perceptions about women in sports and inspired young girls in Shahdol to pursue sports and break societal barriers. Vastrakar’s journey embodies the strength, determination, and dedication required to succeed in cricket, making her a true role model for the next generation.
Future Prospects and Goals
As she continues her career, Pooja Vastrakar remains focused on further developing her skills and contributing to India’s success on the international stage. With her dedication and natural talent, she aims to be a key player in upcoming tournaments, including future ICC World Cups and the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
Vastrakar’s aspiration to establish herself as one of the top all-rounders in the world is clear. With each game, she seeks to hone her batting, improve her bowling speed, and become an even stronger asset for the Indian women’s cricket team.
International Cricket Debut
Pooja Vastrakar made her highly anticipated international debut for the Indian women’s cricket team in 2018. She marked her Women’s One Day International (WODI) debut against South Africa on February 10, 2018, and just days later, her Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) debut against the same opponent.
Her performance across all formats of the game—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—quickly established her as a valuable asset for the Indian squad.
Indian Cricketer Pooja Vastrakar’s Impressive Performances
Batting Prowess and Bowling Ability
Known for her all-round talent, Vastrakar has played a pivotal role in India’s ODI and T20I matches. She has excelled as a fast bowler, taking 23 T20I wickets at an economy rate of 6.61. Her best T20I figures of 4/13 against South Africa highlight her bowling skill.
Vastrakar’s versatility and fitness have bolstered her performance, adding new pace and impact to the Indian bowling lineup. Her consistency and aggressive style have been crucial on spin-friendly pitches.
Career Milestones and Achievements
Since her debut, Vastrakar has reached several remarkable milestones, including selection for major tournaments such as the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20, 2020 T20 World Cup, and the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Her influence extends to her hometown, Shahdol, inspiring more young girls to take up sports. Her successful career has also shifted perceptions towards women athletes in her community.
| Milestone | Description |
|---|---|
| International Debut | Made at age 18, setting a record as a No. 9 batter with a half-century against Australia |
| International Matches | Played 2 Tests, 14 ODIs, and 24 T20Is since 2018 |
| Highest Career Score | 67 off 59 deliveries in her 14th ODI |
| Total Runs and Wickets | 190 ODI runs; 30 international wickets |
| Women’s World Cup Record | Set a record seventh-wicket stand of 122 with Sneh Rana |
Test Cricket Journey
Pooja Vastrakar made her entry into Test cricket in June 2021 against England, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her Test debut showcased her resilience and determination as she adapted to the demands of the longest format of the game.
Making Her Test Debut Against England in 2021
Facing a challenging English team, Vastrakar embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, making her Test debut on June 16, 2021. Her skill and adaptability were on full display, and her performance added depth to India’s bowling lineup.
Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022
In January 2022, Pooja Vastrakar was named in India’s squad for the Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. Throughout the tournament, she displayed exceptional skills, contributing with both bat and ball.
One highlight of her World Cup journey was a record 122-run partnership with Sneh Rana, helping India post a formidable total. Her performance included 156 runs at an average of 26.00 and 10 wickets at an average of 18.30, further establishing her as a critical all-rounder.
Commonwealth Games 2022
In July 2022, Vastrakar was selected to represent India in the 2022 Commonwealth Games cricket tournament in Birmingham. This selection highlighted her growing stature as an essential part of the team’s lineup, where she contributed with both bat and ball, adding depth to India’s performance in the tournament.
Indian Cricketer’s Resilience and Determination
Despite a serious knee injury in 2016, Vastrakar has consistently displayed resilience and a remarkable fighting spirit. Her journey back to form and fitness demonstrates her commitment to cricket and her determination to excel in all formats.
Vastrakar’s ability to overcome setbacks and continue performing at the highest level makes her an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
Impact and Inspiration for Women’s Cricket
Role Model for Aspiring Cricketers
Pooja Vastrakar’s journey from Shahdol to the international stage has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for young female athletes across India. Her success has led to increased interest in women’s cricket and has inspired many to pursue their dreams in sports.
Guided by her idol, Sachin Tendulkar, Vastrakar’s story is a powerful example of hard work and perseverance. Her influence has encouraged many girls to follow her path and aim for a career in cricket.
FAQ’s
Who is Pooja Vastrakar?
Pooja Vastrakar is an Indian cricketer, known for her all-round abilities as a right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter. She plays for the Indian national women’s team.
When did Pooja Vastrakar make her international debut?
She made her international debut in 2018 against South Africa.
What are her significant achievements?
She represented India in major tournaments like the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20, 2020 T20 World Cup, and the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, among others.
What is Pooja Vastrakar’s impact on women’s cricket?
Her success has inspired young girls across India to take up cricket, and her journey from Shahdol has served as a motivating example for aspiring athletes.
This article was authored with insights from Patrick Justin McAfee, a sports analyst with extensive experience in cricket analysis, and reviewed by Pat McAfee, renowned sports writer at thebetindia.com. For more expert cricket insights, visit his Wikipedia page.
