Cricket has always been a dominant sport in India, with the men’s team enjoying global recognition. However, in recent years, women’s cricket has also gained immense popularity. One of the emerging stars in Indian women’s cricket is Yastika Bhatia. She is a wicketkeeper-batter who has made a significant impact with both her batting and wicketkeeping skills. Since her international debut in 2021, she has become a key player for India across all formats.
This article explores Yastika Bhatia’s journey, from her early life to her international success, her domestic and franchise career, her playing style, and her future prospects.
Early Life and Background
Yastika Harish Bhatia was born on November 1, 2000, in Vadodara, Gujarat. From a young age, she showed an interest in cricket and worked hard to refine her skills. She trained extensively to improve her batting and wicketkeeping abilities.
She started her domestic career with Baroda Women, which laid the foundation for her international cricket journey. Her performances in domestic cricket helped her secure a spot in the Indian women’s cricket team.
Apart from playing for the Indian national team, Yastika has also played for several franchise teams in domestic and international leagues:
- Baroda Women (Domestic team)
- India Women (National team)
- Mumbai Indians Women (Women’s Premier League – WPL)
- Velocity (Women’s T20 Challenge)
- Melbourne Stars Women (Women’s Big Bash League – WBBL)
Her participation in these leagues has helped her gain valuable experience and improve her game.
Yastika Bhatia’s International Career
Yastika made her international debut in 2021, and since then, she has represented India in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). She has consistently contributed to the team’s success with her steady batting and sharp wicketkeeping.
Test Cricket Career
Despite playing only a few Test matches, Yastika has shown promise with the bat.
Test Batting Stats
| Matches Played | Innings | Runs Scored | Highest Score | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Fifties | Boundaries |
| 3 | 5 | 98 | 66 | 19.60 | 60.86 | 1 | 14 fours, 1 six |
Her best performance in Test cricket came against England Women in 2023, where she scored 66 runs.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Since her ODI debut in 2021, Yastika has been a key middle-order batter and wicketkeeper for India.
ODI Batting Stats
| Matches Played | Innings | Runs Scored | Highest Score | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Fifties | Boundaries |
| 28 | 27 | 666 | 64 | 24.66 | 73.02 | 4 | 78 fours, 2 sixes |
Her highest ODI score is 64, and she has played a crucial role in India’s victories in major tournaments.
ODI Wicketkeeping Stats
| Catches Taken | Stumpings |
| 14 | 10 |
Her ability to take quick catches and execute stumpings makes her an asset behind the stumps.
T20 International Career (T20Is)
In the shortest format of the game, Yastika has played 19 matches for India.
T20I Batting Stats
| Matches Played | Innings | Runs Scored | Highest Score | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Boundaries |
| 19 | 14 | 214 | 36 | 16.46 | 88.42 | 24 fours, 2 sixes |
T20I Wicketkeeping Stats
| Catches Taken | Stumpings |
| 5 | 8 |
Despite modest batting numbers, her wicketkeeping and fearless playing style make her a valuable player.
Performance Against Major Teams
Yastika has played against top cricketing nations like Australia and England.
Test Performance Against Major Teams
| Opponent | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Batting Average | 50s |
| Australia Women | 2 | 3 | 23 | 19 | 7.66 | 0 |
| England Women | 1 | 2 | 75 | 66 | 37.50 | 1 |
She scored 66 runs against England in 2023, proving her ability in Test cricket.
Domestic and Franchise Cricket
Apart from international matches, Yastika has excelled in domestic and franchise cricket.
Women’s Premier League (WPL)
- She plays for Mumbai Indians Women in the WPL.
- In her first WPL season, she won the championship with Mumbai Indians Women.
- She contributed both as a wicketkeeper and batter in the team’s successful campaign.
Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)
- Yastika signed with Melbourne Stars Women for the WBBL.
- Playing in Australia helped her develop her game further.
Achievements and Records
Test Cricket Records
- 13th most catches in a match (4 catches).
- 22nd highest individual score (219 runs) without byes.
ODI Records
- 3rd most stumpings in an ODI series (10 stumpings).
- 23rd most runs in an ODI series by a wicketkeeper (226 runs).
Her records highlight her contributions as both a batter and a wicketkeeper.
Strengths and Playing Style
Batting Strengths
- She is a strong left-handed batter with an aggressive style.
- She can anchor the innings or accelerate when needed.
- She delivers under pressure, especially in ODIs.
Wicketkeeping Skills
- She has quick reflexes behind the stumps.
- She takes crucial catches and executes fast stumpings.
- She plays an essential role as India’s primary wicketkeeper.
Future Prospects
At just 24 years old, Yastika Bhatia has a bright future ahead.
- She is expected to play a crucial role in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
- She will continue to develop her game in the WPL and international matches.
- With experience, she could become one of the best wicketkeeper-batters in women’s cricket.
Conclusion
Yastika Bhatia has already made a significant impact in women’s cricket despite her young age. Her batting skills, wicketkeeping abilities, and fearless approach make her a crucial player for India.
With time, she has the potential to become one of the best wicketkeeper-batters in the world. Fans will be eagerly watching her rise in international and domestic cricket.
FAQs
Who is Yastika Bhatia?
She is a wicketkeeper-batter for the Indian women’s cricket team.
When did Yastika Bhatia make her international debut?
She made her ODI debut against Australia in September 2021.
Which team does she play for in WPL?
She plays for Mumbai Indians Women.
What is her highest international score?
Her highest score is 66 runs in a Test match against England.
How many international matches has she played?
As of 2024, she has played 3 Tests, 28 ODIs, and 19 T20Is.
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