At just 24, India’s left-handed top-order wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia finds herself confronted with one of the most trying spells of her young career. Earlier this month, during the preparatory camp in Visakhapatnam, Bhatia suffered a left knee injury that has since required surgery, forcing her out of both the recently concluded home ODI series against Australia and the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Sharing an emotional update with her fans and followers via Instagram earlier today, she revealed:
“In the past few days, I’ve had to face some tough situations after sustaining a knee injury. I’m still processing it all, but I’m grateful to share that the surgery went well. I’m thankful to my doctors and to everyone who has shown me so much love and support. My focus now is on recovery, staying strong, and returning to the field as soon as possible. My love for this game and the honour of representing my country at the highest level will keep me going.”
Yastika Bhatia’s absence was already felt in the just-concluded ODI series against Alyssa Healy’s Australia between 14th and 20th September 2025. India, although going down 2-1, showed their fighting spirit in the decider at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, where they nearly chased down a record 413 before being bundled out for 369 with three overs left. Her availability has left India searching for their answer to a spot in the top or the middle-order, ahead of the high-profile World Cup.
Earlier in the month, the BCCI had confirmed that 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry has been drafted in as her replacement in the 15-member squad. The 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup, beginning on 30th September 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati (3 PM IST), will feature eight teams: India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Though the marquee tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, India’s campaign has lost a reliable presence in their top order, with Yastika out of contention.
Since making her international debut in September 2021, Yastika has compiled 666 runs in 28 ODIs at an average of 24.66, with a strike rate of 73.02, and four half-centuries. Her most memorable knock to date came against Australia at Mackay in only her third ODI, where she crafted a fluent 64 off 69 balls, laced with nine boundaries, playing a crucial role in steering India to a rare and thrilling two-wicket victory.
Her adaptability has been evident across formats, with 98 Test runs in three matches, including a highest of 66, and 214 T20I runs in 19 outings. Though not yet commanding, these numbers reflect a young cricketer eager to carve her space in a competitive landscape. Domestically, Bhatia has been one of the more dependable run-getters, often contributing crucially at the top.
Yastika Bhatia’s Unfortunate Run Since 2024
The first major disruption to her upward trajectory came during the WBBL 10 season in November 2024, when a fractured wrist ruled her out after only a handful of appearances. That injury sidelined her from India’s home series against Australia in December 2024, narrowing her opportunities at a critical juncture.
Her subsequent comebacks were delayed and disrupted:
- She missed the West Indies series due to a wrist injury.
- She was rested for the Ireland series as India tested younger faces.
- Though part of the squad for the Sri Lanka Tri-series, she did not feature in the XI.
- On the England tour, she was included in both squads but did not play a single match.
This series of setbacks has left Yastika struggling to regain the rhythm that once positioned her as India’s long-term wicketkeeping solution in white-ball cricket.
Road to Recovery for Yastika Bhatia
Now recovering from surgery at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Yastika faces a rehabilitative stretch that will test both her patience and resilience. However, her message of gratitude and determination underscores the mindset that has defined her career so far. For India, who begin their World Cup campaign under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, her absence is both a tactical and emotional gap.
While Chetry’s inclusion adds youthful energy, Bhatia’s poise at the top will be sorely missed. For the player herself, this latest injury represents another hurdle in a career already punctuated by untimely blows. Yet, as she herself noted, her love for the game and the national colours remain the fuel for her comeback.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.