I can’t wait to wear the Mumbai Indians jersey again in WPL: Yastika Bhatia

Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia was a part of the Mumbai Indians team that won the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. She spoke exclusively to JioCinema recently about her early days, balancing academics with cricket, her India debut, and the forthcoming season of the WPL. Excerpts: 

On her early days 

I liked playing sports since childhood. I would go for swimming, karate, and badminton. But I never thought cricket would become my career because academics were as important growing up. One of my neighbours used to play Ranji Trophy. He told my father about a girls' team practicing at a ground close to our home. My sister and I went there. However, I was too small then so they admitted my sister while I had to wait for two years. While I waited for my chance, I dreamt of going to the ground and playing with my sister.

On balancing academics with cricket 

It was very difficult. The condition was that I could play cricket provided I completed my syllabus in six months. There was no comprising with academics. 

On early role models 

Initially, I didn’t follow anyone. I just wanted to enjoy batting. Then gradually, I also started focussing on wicketkeeping. I used to watch Adam Gilchrist. He was Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman. Then once Smriti di made her debut, she became my favourite immediately.

On her reaction after getting picked for India in 2021 

Everyone was happy. My father and mother were in tears. They acknowledged that my efforts had paid off. Even I was happy, but at the same time, I was focussing on the fact that I had to help India win the series and then help the team win the World Cup. I realised that my responsibility had increased. Before my debut, Smriti di had hinted that I might make my debut and helped me calm down. She advised me to play the same way I used to play for Baroda. That series against Australia went off well.  

But till the time I made my debut, self-doubt had begun creeping in. But at the same time, I was working on improving my game. I was also speaking to Kiran Sir about how I could take my game to the next level. 

On her experience in the WPL last season 

It was memorable. Nobody had an idea about how things would pan out. But the way we were welcomed into the team, we were made to feel like family. We would spend a lot of time talking about how we could improve our game. I am really looking forward to the forthcoming edition of the WPL. I can’t wait to wear the Mumbai Indians jersey and go back to the ground. It’s a completely different feeling being part of MI.