![Yastika Bhatia (right) has been ruled out of WPL 2026 [Source: @Giant_Cricket/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767954861247_YastikaBhatiaoutofWPL2026(1).jpg?type=hq)
Yastika Bhatia (right) has been ruled out of WPL 2026 [Source: @Giant_Cricket/X]
In a massive setback for Gujarat Giants, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out of the WPL 2026 due to a knee injury. The Gujarat Giants confirmed the development through a social media post on X, wishing her a speedy recovery ahead of the WPL 2026 tournament.
Yastika Bhatia had joined the Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 squad at a price of INR 50 lakhs in the mega auction. However, she won't participate in the tournament after failing to recover from the knee injury.
Gujarat Giants confirm Yastika Bhatia's unavailability for WPL 2026
The Gujarat Giants confirmed Yastika Bhatia's unavailability for the WPL 2026 season. The left-handed batter missed India Women's home series against Australia and was also sidelined from the ODI World Cup due to a knee injury.
Although she was injured, the Gujarat Giants took a gamble by signing her for the WPL 2026 season. However, given that she has yet to recover from the injury, Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out of the entire tournament. It's worth mentioning that the Giants won't be allowed to sign a replacement player as they were aware of Yastika's injury at the time of signing her.
"She was ready to shine in orange but fate had other plans. The Gujarat Giants family sends love and strength to Yastika Bhatia, Wishing her a speedy recovery. See you soon, champ," the Gujarat Giants posted on X.
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Yastika Bhatia's WPL career and stats
Yastika Bhatia has been one of the most successful wicketkeeper-batters in the history of WPL. The southpaw has represented Mumbai Indians in the past, scoring 506 runs across 28 innings at an average of 18.74 and a strike rate of 113.45. She even has a half-century to her name, often providing MI Women with steady starts with her stoic batting.
The Indian batter is a two-time WPL winner, having played 28 matches for MI Women from 2023 to 2025. However, after being released by the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, Yastika Bhatia was secured by the Giants in the WPL 2026 mega auction.
What could be Gujarat Giants' combination in Yastika Bhatia's absence?
With Yastika Bhatia getting ruled out, veteran Australian cricketer Beth Mooney will likely play as the wicketkeeper of Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2026. The left-handed batter has been a force to reckon with, amassing 522 runs, including five half-centuries, at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 133.84 in the WPL.
Besides Mooney, skipper Ashleigh Gardner will play a significant role for the Giants alongside the likes of Sophie Devine, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam and Renuka Singh Thakur.
Gujarat Giants' WPL 2026 schedule
Led by Ashleigh Gardner, Gujarat Giants will kick off their WPL 2026 campaign with a riveting contest against the UP Warriorz on Saturday, January 10 at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. They will face DC, MI and RCB in their subsequent games at the same venue before the caravan shifts to the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara.
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