The Indian women’s cricket team has felt a void in its fast bowling department recently, especially in the current era Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. While the team successfully won the 50-over World Cup in his absence, the fast bowling all-rounder’s unique balance Pooja Vastrakar Bringing into the team remains irreplaceable. Out of action since the end of 2024 due to a serious shoulder injury that required surgical intervention, Vastrakar’s road back to fitness has been a tough test of patience. However, specific sports rehabilitation is rarely a lonely journey. on the edge of Madhya Pradesh Women’s T20 LeagueVastrakar opened up about his intense recovery period and highlighted important behind-the-scenes advice with India’s leading male speedster. Jasprit BumrahBut BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) In Bengaluru.
Pooja Vastrakar opens up about Jasprit Bumrah’s contribution during his rehab in BCCI’s CoE
Vastrakar’s path to recovery faced many unexpected obstacles. Initially, his medical team planned the shoulder surgery around a strict eight-month recovery window to ensure his readiness for major international fixtures. Unfortunately, structural treatment does not always follow a calendar.
“We had planned the surgery in such a way that I would have got eight months to recover, but that didn’t happen because even after eight months, I didn’t get my range back. After being in such situations so many times, it doesn’t bother you anymore. You know how to deal with it,” Vastrakar told ESPNcricinfo.
During this extended stint at the COE, Vastrakar found solace and wisdom in the presence of experienced international cricketers who frequently visited the facility for the maintenance of their fitness. connect with veteran India likes fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar And Bumrah changed his perspective on the physical impact of fast bowling. He said the discussion at the CoE often revolves around the biomechanical inconsistency of fast bowling, emphasizing that bowling three to four times your body weight on the landing leg is inherently punishing for the human body.
This was his deep conversation with “boom brother“(Bumrah) who provided the ultimate mental breakthrough. Having recovered from a career-threatening back stress fracture, which culminated in surgery and a subsequent 11-month hiatus between 2022 and 2023, Bumrah was uniquely qualified to guide him through the dark stages of rehabilitation.
The power of perspective in specific sports rehabilitation
Bumrah shared his struggles with Vastrakar and reminded him that spending a year and a half in a constant cycle of injury, surgery and rehabilitation is an unfortunate reality of modern fast bowling. His advice was based on grounded practicality: injuries are inevitable, but control over one’s daily process is absolute. Reflecting on Bumrah’s consoling words, the tailor shared:
“I had a lot of conversations with Boom Bhai [Bumrah] During that time. He told, ‘If I look at my career, many similar things happened to me too. I have also been out for a long time, doing rehab for six months. Then I had surgery, so all this took one and a half years. He basically just said that these things will keep happening; You can simply focus on your process and what is under your control“
This counseling helped Vastrakar fight the psychological trap of missed tournaments or worrying predictions of his future form. By focusing her attention completely on the present moment, she was able to embrace a rigorous daily routine of physiotherapy and strength training.
“It is true that during such phases, we either focus on the past or worry about the future. We forget to enjoy the present. And the present is in our hands, the process is in our hands. And this process becomes a huge part of success“He added.
This psychological reset has not only aided his physical healing but also matured his approach to the game. As she approaches her competitive comeback, the lessons learned from the India pacer will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of her international career.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.