A Timely Resurgence on Australian Soil for Yastika Bhatia
The India A women’s tour of Australia in August 2025 arrived at a critical juncture for several players. After a disappointing 0–3 loss in the T20 leg, the ODI and Test matches were always going to be a measure of resilience and depth in Indian women’s cricket. For Yastika Bhatia, included as a late addition to the squad, it was much more than just another series it was an opportunity to prove her worth ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
By the end of the ODI leg, Yastika had left little doubt about her readiness. Across three games, she not only produced scores of substance but also exuded the maturity and composure that a World Cup campaign demands.
A Batting Masterclass: Yastika’s Consistency in the ODI Series
The ODI series between India A and Australia A marked a historic moment. India A won 2–1, their first-ever 50-over series win on Australian soil. At the heart of this triumph was Yastika Bhatia.
- 1st ODI (August 12, 2025): Yastika opened with Shafali Verma and struck a fluent 59 off 70 balls. Their 77-run partnership laid the platform for a successful chase of 215, sealing a three-wicket win.
- 2nd ODI (August 14, 2025): She followed up with 66 off 71, her second successive half-century. Her partnership of 68 with skipper Radha Yadav proved decisive in chasing down 266 in a nail-biting finish, India scraping home with one ball to spare.
- 3rd ODI (August 16, 2025): Though India A lost by nine wickets, Yastika still contributed 42 off 54, once again stabilising the innings at the top.
Across the series, Yastika compiled 167 runs at an average of 55.7, a model of consistency. While Raghvi Bist (205 runs) topped the charts and Tejal Hasabnis (166) matched her aggregate, Yastika’s strength lay in reliability. She was the top-scorer in both of India’s wins, highlighting her ability to perform when it mattered most. Yastika’s series was about more than just batting.
She kept wickets with assurance, rotated between opening and middle-order batting roles, and even slotted in as a fielder when required. This adaptability gives her an edge in selection discussions.
Her wicket-keeping was described as “tidy” and “solid,” while her batting flexibility opening in two games and slotting in at No. 5 in another showcased her readiness to adjust according to team requirements. This ability to wear multiple hats makes her invaluable in a World Cup squad where balance and flexibility are crucial.
The Road to the ODI World Cup
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on September 30. India, as host, has already qualified. For Yastika, the competition for a spot in the XI is fierce, particularly because of India’s strong wicket-keeping bench.
- Richa Ghosh (21): The clear frontrunner. Explosive with the bat, she has crossed 2,000 international runs and remains India’s preferred finisher.
- Uma Chetry (23): A promising wicket-keeper who has featured in India A squads and was part of India’s Asian Games-winning side.
- Yastika Bhatia (24): Offers left-handed top-order batting, consistency under pressure, and a backup wicket-keeping option.
Given Richa’s established role, Yastika’s most likely path into the XI is as a specialist batter. Her scores in Australia demonstrate her ability to provide stability at the top, a useful complement to the attacking style of Shafali Verma. With Smriti Mandhana’s place assured, Yastika could provide India with a left-handed opening partner or a reliable No. 3 especially if Shafali’s inconsistency persists.
The Indian think tank’s philosophy for the World Cup has been clear: depth and flexibility. Hosting the tournament at home means subcontinent experience and temperament will weigh heavily in selection. Yastika, with her tidy keeping and proven adaptability, strengthens the squad’s overall balance. Her performances in Australia also counter the perception that she had been on the fringes.
Far from being inactive, she has been a part of India’s ODI squads through 2025, including series against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and England. The Australia A tour was not a comeback from absence but a continuation of steady involvement capped by significant returns.
More Than a Backup
Yastika Bhatia’s Australia A series was not just about personal numbers; it was a statement of intent. Her three innings of 59, 66, and 42 were crafted under pressure, each time serving the team’s cause. Her tidy wicket-keeping, willingness to adapt across roles, and left-handed stability at the top of the order add dimensions that few others bring.
While Richa Ghosh remains India’s first-choice keeper, Yastika has done enough to demand a place in the World Cup squad, if not the starting XI. Her presence ensures India has both cover and competition two ingredients every champion side needs. In a home World Cup, India will rely not just on flair but also on reliability. In Yastika Bhatia, they may have found both.
