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Gujarat Giants' Yastika Bhatia Ruled Out of WPL 2026 After ACL Surgery

Gujarat Giants wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out for the remainder of the Women's Premier League 2026 season. Head coach Michael Klinger confirmed the news, citing her recovery from an ACL surgery performed in October. The franchise was aware of her injury status during the auction and is not permitted to sign a replacement player. Bhatia, previously with Mumbai Indians, has a career tally of 506 runs in the WPL.

Key Points: Yastika Bhatia Ruled Out of WPL 2026 Season

  • Yastika Bhatia ruled out of WPL 2026
  • Underwent ACL surgery in October
  • Gujarat Giants cannot sign a replacement
  • Scored 506 runs in 28 WPL matches
  • Team won opening match without her
2 min read

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Yastika Bhatia ruled out of remainder of tournament

Gujarat Giants wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia is ruled out of the WPL 2026 season following ACL surgery, confirmed by coach Michael Klinger.

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Yastika Bhatia ruled out of remainder of tournament
"Cannot wait to see you back fit and strong and be part of the Gujarat Giants in WPL season 5. - Michael Klinger"

Navi Mumbai, January 10

Gujarat Giants wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women's Premier League 2026 season, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Gujarat head coach Michael Klinger confirmed the development in a video posted by the franchise on social media.

"Hope you are going well and hope the recovery is going well for you," GG coach Michael Klinger said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "Cannot wait to see you back fit and strong and be part of the Gujarat Giants in WPL season 5."

Gujarat secured the star wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 50 lakh during the WPL auction. However, Bhatia's availability for this WPL season was always in doubt, given that Bhatia had undergone an ACL surgery in October.

Before the auction, the WPL had told each franchise that if any side selected Bhatia, they would not be allowed to make a replacement during the tournament.

Prior to Gujarat, Bhatia had been with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the WPL. Across three WPL seasons, the wicketkeeper-batter made 506 runs in 28 matches, at an average of 18.74 and a strike rate of 113.45.

During GG's opening match against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, Bhatia was seen with the team owners, cheering for her franchise from the dugout.

Meanwhile, Phoebe Litchfield's valiant 78 went in vain as UP Warriorz suffered a narrow 10-run defeat against Gujarat Giants in a high-scoring encounter at the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday.

Brief scores: Gujarat Giants: 207/4 in 20 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 65, Anushka Sharma 44; Sophie Ecclestone 2/32) vs UP Warriorz 197/8 in 20 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 78, Meg Lanning 30; Renuka Singh 2/25).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The rule about no replacement is harsh. The franchise knew the risk, but still, for the player's career, it's a setback. GG management took a gamble that didn't pay off. Focus should be on her health first.
A
Ananya R
It's inspiring to see her in the dugout supporting the team despite her injury. That's true team spirit! 💪 The women's game is growing so fast in India, and we need our stars fit and playing.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I have to question the auction strategy. Spending 50 lakh on a player who was a major injury doubt, with no replacement option, seems like poor planning. Other teams managed their purses better.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan from abroad following WPL, it's sad to see a talented player like Yastika out. Her stats show she's a solid contributor. Hope the Giants can find a way to cover for her absence. Great win for them though!
K
Karthik V
Get well soon, Yastika! The team will miss you. On the bright side, this opens up an opportunity for another young Indian player to step up. That's what the WPL is all about - discovering new talent.

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