India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, representing Melbourne Stars in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a wrist fracture. The injury places her participation in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting December 5, in doubt.
Injury details and impact
Bhatia sustained a “small fracture” to her wrist during the Melbourne derby against Renegades on November 15 at the MCG. Despite playing the next match against Brisbane Heat, she missed the fixture against Sydney Thunder on November 20, with Sophie Reid replacing her as the team’s wicketkeeper and opener. Bhatia is now headed back to India for further assessment of her injury.
India’s ODI squad concerns
The injury is a blow to India’s ODI plans, especially after the exclusion of long-term opener Shafali Verma for the Australia tour. Bhatia, a left-handed opener and reliable wicketkeeper, was expected to play a key role in Verma’s absence. Priya Punia, who has been recalled to the squad, is a likely replacement if Bhatia fails to recover in time.
Promising WBBL stint
Bhatia’s maiden WBBL stint saw her make an instant impact, scoring 154 runs in six innings at an average of 25.66 and a strike rate of nearly 105. She registered a match-winning 57 against Hobart Hurricanes and bagged the Player of the Match award in her second game.
As Bhatia races against time to regain fitness, her absence could pose challenges for both Melbourne Stars in the WBBL and India in the crucial series against Australia.