India Suffers Blow as Yastika Bhatia Ruled Out of Australia Series and Women’s ODI World Cup
The Yastika Bhatia injury has delivered a huge setback to India’s women’s cricket team. Yastika Bhatia was ruled out of both the Australia ODI series and the Women’s ODI World Cup after sustaining a left knee injury during the preparatory camp in Visakhapatnam. This sudden blow forces India to rethink their plans before the tournament.
Uma Chetry Replaces Yastika Bhatia in India Squad
With Yastika Bhatia ruled out, selectors quickly drafted Uma Chetry into the squad. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper has featured in seven T20Is for India, but an ODI debut still awaits her. Initially named in the India A squad for the World Cup warm-up against South Africa, she now moves into the senior team to strengthen the wicketkeeping options.
Yastika Bhatia Injury Ends Comeback Dreams
The Yastika Bhatia injury is particularly tough for the left-hander, who had been aiming for a comeback. Her last ODI appearance came in October 2024. Strong scores of 59, 66 and 42 for India A in Australia had earned her a World Cup place. Moreover, she was regarded as a dependable backup to Richa Ghosh behind the stumps.
India’s Updated Squad for Australia ODIs
Following the Yastika Bhatia injury, India revised their ODI squad. Harmanpreet Kaur continues as captain, while Smriti Mandhana acts as vice-captain. Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur and Sneh Rana remain vital players. Uma Chetry now joins Richa Ghosh to share the wicketkeeping duties.
India’s ODI squad vs Australia: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, Uma Chetry (wk).
Women’s ODI World Cup Squad Without Yastika Bhatia
The Women’s ODI World Cup squad has also been reshaped. With Yastika Bhatia ruled out, Uma Chetry replaces her as the second wicketkeeper after Richa Ghosh. India will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30 under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur.
India’s World Cup squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, Uma Chetry (wk).
Yastika Bhatia Ruled Out, Uma Chetry Steps In
With Yastika Bhatia ruled out, India’s bench strength faces a crucial test. Her injury reduces depth in the batting and wicketkeeping departments. Still, Uma Chetry now has an excellent chance to prove herself on the international stage. Fans will closely follow India’s progress as the Women’s ODI World Cup unfolds.
