Early Life and Background 

One of the few Indian women cricketers, Pooja Vastrakar has made a name for herself in the cricketing world with her pace, energy and determination. Born on September 25, 1999 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, Pooja grew up with a love for the game. From a young age, she enjoyed playing cricket with the boys in her neighbourhood, which helped her develop confidence and strength. Her father supported her passion and encouraged her to take the game seriously. She joined a local academy to hone her skills and soon started attracting attention with her fast bowling and athletic ability.

Rise to Fame 

Pooja Vastrakar began her domestic cricket journey from Madhya Pradesh. Her consistent performances in domestic tournaments caught the attention of the national selectors. She made her international debut for India in 2018 and impressed everyone with her all-round abilities. Pooja’s ability to bowl at a good pace and contribute with the bat made her a vital part of the Indian women’s cricket team. Over the years, she has become known for her fighting spirit, especially in difficult match situations where her performances have turned games in India’s favour.

Career Highlights 

Pooja’s journey in international cricket has been full of ups and downs, but her development has been steady. She made her One Day International (ODI) debut against South Africa in February 2018. Later, she played her first T20 International match against the same team. Her most notable performance came during the 2022 Women’s World Cup, where her batting skills helped India win important matches. Apart from being a fast bowler, she is also a reliable lower-order batsman who can hit big shots when needed.

In domestic cricket, Pooja represents Madhya Pradesh and has been one of their key players for many seasons. Her strong performances earned her a place in the Indian team for major tournaments like the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Asia Cup. She also played a vital role in India’s silver medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Playing style and power 

Pooja Vastrakar is known for her aggressive approach on the field. As a fast bowler, she can swing the ball both ways and trouble batsmen with her accuracy. Her bowling action is smooth and often uses short deliveries to surprise the opposition team. Her batting style is aggressive – she likes to take risks and play big shots under pressure. This blend of skills makes her one of the best all-rounders in Indian women’s cricket today.

Her fitness and agility on the field are also worth mentioning. She often saves runs with her sharp fielding and quick reactions. Pooja’s positive attitude and never-give-up mentality have helped her bounce back from injuries and challenges throughout her career.

Career stats 

So far, Pooja has represented India in multiple formats, including Tests, ODIs and T20Is. In ODIs, she has taken over 30 wickets and scored over 300 runs. In T20Is, she has been equally effective, putting in remarkable performances with both bat and ball. Her strike rate and bowling economy show her consistency and reliability. With each season, she continues to improve her figures and solidify her place in the team.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL)-style Women’s Premier League (WPL), Pooja plays for Mumbai Indians Women. Her performances there have shown her versatility and ability to handle pressure on the big stage. She has become a reliable all-rounder who can turn the game around with either bat or ball.

Comparison with other bowlers 

When we talk about Indian women’s fast bowlers, names like Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar often come together. Both players have been leading India’s pace attack in recent years. While Renuka is known for her swing bowling and early wicket-taking ability, Pooja brings power and aggression with her pace and batting. Together, they form a strong combination for India in limited-overs cricket. Their teamwork and mutual support have helped India achieve success in many international matches.

ICC Rankings and Achievements 

Pooja has been steadily climbing the ICC women’s player rankings for the past few years. She has been ranked among the top 20 all-rounders in the ICC ODI rankings, which shows her growing influence in world cricket. Her performances against strong teams like Australia, England and South Africa have received praise from fans and cricket experts.

She has received several awards and recognitions for her outstanding performances in domestic and international cricket. Her ability to cope with pressure and perform consistently makes her a vital asset to the Indian team in every format.

Net Worth and Endorsements 

Pooja Vastrakar’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs 2 to 3 crore. Her income comes from her BCCI central contract, match fees and Women’s Premier League. She also earns from brand endorsements and sponsorships. As her popularity grows, she is expected to bag more endorsement deals in the future.

Apart from cricket, she enjoys a simple lifestyle and often shares her training and match experiences with fans on social media. Her inspiring journey from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to representing India at the highest level has made her a role model for young girls who dream of playing cricket.

Conclusion 

Pooja Vastrakar’s story is one of passion, dedication and hard work. From a small town girl playing cricket on the streets to becoming India’s leading all-rounder, her journey has inspired many. Her energy, focus and commitment towards the game make her a vital part of the Indian women’s cricket team. As she continues to grow and achieve new milestones, fans are eager to see her lead India to more victories in the years to come.

Pooja’s success proves that with the right attitude and determination, dreams can indeed become a reality. She is not only a talented cricketer but also a symbol of hope for many young players across India. – Cricbites