Yastika Bhatia Ruled Out of WPL 2026 From Gujarat Giants Squad

Yastika Bhatia had been ruled out of WPL 2026 due to recovery issues following her ACL surgery, dealing a setback to Gujarat Giants.

Gujarat Giants (GG) wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out of the WPL 2026 season. Her availability had remained uncertain ever since she underwent ACL surgery in October, raising doubts over her match fitness ahead of the tournament.

Before the WPL auction, franchises were informed that if any team picked Bhatia, they would not be allowed to name a replacement player. Despite this condition, both Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz (UPW) placed bids for her, with GG eventually securing the left-hander for INR 50 lakh.

Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger shared a message for Bhatia in a video posted by the franchise on social media, expressing his support and encouragement during her recovery.

“Hope you are going well and hope the recovery is going well for you,” Klinger said. “Cannot wait to see you back fit and strong and be part of the Gujarat Giants in WPL season 5.”

The 2026 edition would have marked Bhatia’s first season with Gujarat Giants after spending the previous three seasons with Mumbai Indians (MI). During her stint with MI, she featured in 28 matches and scored 506 runs at an average of 18.74 and a strike rate of 113.45.

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Bhatia was seen supporting her new team during GG’s opening match against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai. She watched the game alongside the team owners and cheered from outside the playing XI as Gujarat Giants clinched a thrilling ten-run victory in a high-scoring contest.