Image: Yastika Bhatia has retired from the WBBL early due to injury / © Cricket.com.au
India’s premier batter Yastika Bhatia has had her debut Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season cut short due to a wrist injury. Representing Melbourne Stars, Bhatia sustained the injury during her sixth game against Brisbane Heat, which ruled her out of the tournament. Scans revealed a minor fracture, leading to her exclusion from the squad for upcoming matches, including the clash against Sydney Thunder.
Bhatia’s maiden stint in the WBBL showcased her potential but lacked consistency. She scored 154 runs in six innings, including a magnificent 57 against Hobart Hurricanes and a solid 36 on debut against Sydney Sixers. However, her performance dipped in the latter matches, amassing only 61 runs in her next four innings.
With an important ODI series against Australia on the horizon, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) likely played a role in ensuring her timely recovery. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in good form in ODIs recently, excelling against New Zealand. The Stars, who are struggling this season with only two wins in eight matches, announced an unchanged squad for their next game. Meanwhile, Bhatia will now focus on regaining fitness ahead of her national commitments, aiming to continue her upward trajectory in international cricket.