Introduction to Pooja Vastrakar

Pooja Vastrakar is one of India’s most promising and energetic fast-bowling all-rounders. Known for her explosive lower-order batting and sharp seam bowling, she brings perfect balance to the Indian women’s cricket team. Her journey from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to international stardom is a true story of resilience, passion, and determination.

Early Life and Background

Pooja Vastrakar was born on September 25, 1999, in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. Coming from a humble background, she faced several challenges growing up. Her father, Ghulab Vastrakar, was an employee at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), and her mother passed away when Pooja was young. Despite personal hardships, her passion for sports and her father’s support helped her chase her cricketing dreams.

Education and Early Training

Pooja studied at Gyan Jyoti School in Shahdol while training at the Shahdol Division Cricket Academy. Initially, she began her sports journey playing gully cricket with boys in her locality. Her coach, Ashutosh Shrivastava, recognized her talent and guided her toward professional training. She first played as a batter before developing into a fast-bowling all-rounder.

Domestic Cricket Career

Pooja’s domestic cricket journey began with the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Cricket Team, where she quickly rose through the ranks with consistent performances. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball made her a match-winner for her team in state-level tournaments.

Breakthrough in Domestic Cricket

Her standout moment came in the 2016–17 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, where she impressed with her pace and lower-order cameos. These performances earned her a place in India’s national team at the age of 18.

International Cricket Career

Pooja Vastrakar made her international debut in February 2018 in a T20 match against South Africa. Her impressive bowling and aggressive batting immediately caught attention. That same year, she made her ODI debut and soon became one of India’s key all-rounders in white-ball cricket.

Major International Performances

  • Played a crucial role in India’s 2018 Women’s World Cup campaign.

  • Scored a match-winning 67 runs off 56 balls against Australia in the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup, showcasing her finishing ability.

  • Contributed significantly during the Commonwealth Games 2022, helping India secure the silver medal.

  • Recorded multiple 3-wicket hauls in ODIs and T20Is across 2023 and 2024.

Her consistent performances with both bat and ball have solidified her reputation as one of India’s most impactful all-rounders.

Playing Style and Strengths

Pooja Vastrakar is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a right-handed aggressive batter. Her natural athleticism allows her to swing the ball both ways and deliver sharp bouncers. With the bat, she is known for her explosive hitting ability in the lower order — often rescuing India in tough situations.

Her energy, athletic fielding, and fearless mindset make her one of the most dynamic players in the Indian lineup.

Records and Achievements

  • First Indian woman to score a fifty in a Women’s World Cup knockout game (2022).

  • Recorded best bowling figures of 4/34 against Sri Lanka (2023).

  • Achieved 1000+ international runs and 70+ wickets by 2025.

  • Part of India’s silver medal-winning team at the Commonwealth Games 2022.

  • Member of the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year (2023).

Awards and Recognitions

  • Named BCCI Emerging Player of the Year (2019).

  • Received Madhya Pradesh State Sports Award (2022) for her contributions to Indian cricket.

Personal Life and Family

Pooja grew up in a large family in Shahdol with her father and six siblings. Her family has been her biggest source of motivation and emotional strength. Despite early struggles, she often mentions that her journey is dedicated to her late mother and the sacrifices her father made for her cricketing career.

Pooja Vastrakar Husband and Relationship Status

As of 2025, Pooja Vastrakar is unmarried and completely focused on her cricket career. She maintains a private life and avoids media attention outside the sport.

Net Worth and Brand Endorsements (2025)

Pooja Vastrakar’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around ₹7–9 crore. Her income sources include:

  • BCCI match fees and annual contracts

  • Women’s Premier League (WPL) earnings from Mumbai Indians Women’s Team

  • Brand endorsements with SG Cricket, MPL, and Puma

  • Social media promotions and public appearances

Her performance-driven image and hardworking personality have made her a rising brand ambassador for women’s cricket in India.

Role in the Women’s Premier League (WPL)

Pooja represents the Mumbai Indians Women’s Team (MI) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Her all-round performances have been vital to the team’s balance and success. Known for her finishing ability and breakthroughs with the ball, she has become one of the team’s most reliable players.

Contribution to Indian Women’s Cricket

Pooja’s rise as a fast-bowling all-rounder has filled an important gap in Indian women’s cricket. Her aggressive batting and ability to strike with the new ball give India a crucial edge in limited-overs formats. She also inspires countless young girls from small towns to take up cricket and dream big.

Mentorship and Team Spirit

Pooja is known for her cheerful and motivating presence in the dressing room. She mentors younger players and contributes to building team spirit, especially among the bowling group.

Challenges and Comebacks

Pooja’s journey has been marked by several injuries, including a major knee injury that sidelined her in 2016. However, her determination and rigorous fitness regime helped her make a strong comeback. Each time she has faced setbacks, she has returned stronger, earning her the nickname “comeback queen” among teammates.

Pooja Vastrakar’s Impact and Legacy

Pooja’s journey reflects hard work, grit, and never-give-up spirit. She has become a symbol of empowerment for girls in small towns, proving that background doesn’t define destiny. As she continues to evolve as an all-rounder, her performances are expected to play a defining role in India’s future cricketing success.

FAQs About Pooja Vastrakar

1. Who is Pooja Vastrakar?
Pooja Vastrakar is an Indian women’s cricket all-rounder known for her fast bowling and aggressive lower-order batting.

2. When was Pooja Vastrakar born?
She was born on September 25, 1999, in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.

3. What is Pooja Vastrakar’s role in the Indian team?
She is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a hard-hitting lower-order batter, playing as a crucial all-rounder.

4. Which WPL team does Pooja Vastrakar play for?
She plays for the Mumbai Indians Women’s Team in the Women’s Premier League.

5. What is Pooja Vastrakar’s net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth is around ₹7–9 crore.

6. Has Pooja Vastrakar faced any injuries?
Yes, she suffered a knee injury early in her career but made a strong comeback through perseverance and fitness training.

Conclusion

Pooja Vastrakar’s inspiring rise from the lanes of Shahdol to the world cricket stage is a story of courage, resilience, and self-belief. Her fearless approach, combined with her ability to perform under pressure, makes her one of India’s most valuable all-rounders. With many years ahead of her, Pooja continues to shine as a beacon of hope for Indian women’s cricket.