Yastika Bhatia ruled out of WPL 2026

Yastika Bhatia, a wicketkeeper and batsman for the Gujarat Giants (GG), has been ruled out of the WPL 2026. Given that she had an ACL surgery in October, Bhatia's availability for this season was always in question. Before the auction, the WPL informed the franchises that they would not be permitted to select her as a replacement. Despite this, bids were made for her by GG and UP Warriorz (UPW), with the former winning her for INR 50 lakh. In a video that the franchise shared on social media, GG coach Michael Klinger said, "Hope you are going well and hope the recovery is going well for you." "Can't wait to see you back strong and fit and playing for the Gujarat Giants in season 5 of the WPL." Bhatia would have had her first season with GG at this point. She had been with the Mumbai Indians (MI) up until this point. She played for them for three seasons and scored 506 runs in 28 games, batting at an average of 18.74 and having a strike rate of 113.45. Bhatia was seen outside cheering for her team with the team owners during GG's first match in Navi Mumbai against UPW. GG went on to win the high-scoring game by ten runs. Only GG and UPW have not advanced to the final in the past three seasons.