Yastika Bhatia reveals why Mithali Raj calls her 'Prime Minister'

Indian batter Yastika Bhatia has explained why former legendary batter Mithali Raj calls her ‘Prime Minister’. She said that she used to ask a lot of questions to Raj about the former batter’s thought process and her game, adding that the duo shared a great bond. 

The 21-year-old recalled earning her international cap under the captaincy of Raj in 2021 and how she was guided by the latter. Raj, one of the greatest female cricketers of all time, announced her retirement on June 8 (Wednesday) from all forms after playing international cricket for 23 years.

Raj announced her retirement with a social media post, saying that it was the perfect time to call curtains as the team was now in the capable hands of some talented young players. She also added that she would love to stay involved in the game and contribute to women’s cricket in India after her retirement.

My partnership with Mithali Di against Australia was really special: Yastika Bhatia

Bhatia, a left-handed batter, has played 13 One-day Internationals, three T20Is and one Test so far. She was part of the India squad that went to New Zealand for the 2022 Women’s World Cup. The 21-year-old spoke about her partnership with Raj against Australia in the World Cup, which she called “very special” as it was crucial for India in the game, adding that it would have been nice had their team won the game.

“Mithali Di calls me ‘Prime Minister’ because I talk a lot in team meetings and give my opinions. I asked Mithali Di a lot of questions about her thought process and her game when we went for a coffee. We have a great bond,” said Bhatia in a chat with Sportskeeda. “In my debut, Mithali Di was the captain and she guided me very well. When such a legend of the game retires, you do feel sad. But I wish her well in her future endeavours.”

“My partnership with Mithali Di against Australia was really special. It will always stay in my memory to have such a crucial partnership in a World Cup game. If we would have won, it would have been nicer but it happens,” the 21-year-old added.