In a significant development for Indian women’s cricket, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series in Australia due to a wrist injury sustained during the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League 2024 (WBBL). This unfortunate turn of events has opened the door for an uncapped player in ODIs, to make her mark on the international stage.

Yastika Bhatia on the sidelines for the ODI series against Australia

Bhatia’s absence is a notable loss for the Indian team. Despite missing the last three matches of the WBBL, she was the second-highest run-scorer for the Melbourne Stars, accumulating 154 runs in six games at a strike rate of 104.76. Her performance was commendable, especially considering the Stars finished at the bottom of the points table with only two wins from ten matches. Prior to her WBBL stint, Bhatia also showcased her skills in a home ODI series against New Zealand, where she scored 84 runs across three innings. Although she was part of the T20 World Cup squad, she did not get a chance to play.

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The new face replacing Bhatia

Stepping into Bhatia’s shoes is Uma Chetry, who has made a name for herself in domestic cricket. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter made her T20I debut against South Africa in July 2024 and has since played four T20Is this year. Chetry’s recent performance at the domestic level was impressive; she was the second-highest run-getter in the T20 Challenger Trophy with 231 runs at an explosive strike rate of 154.00, including a standout innings of 122 off 71 balls.

Chetry’s experience touring Australia with the India A side earlier this year adds to her credentials, although her performance there was modest, scoring only 7 and 11 in T20s and 16 in a one-dayer. Nevertheless, her inclusion in the squad reflects confidence in her potential to adapt and perform under pressure.

The upcoming ODI series against Australia is set to commence on December 5 at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, followed by another match on December 8 and concluding at WACA Ground in Perth on December 11. This series not only serves as a platform for Chetry to showcase her talent but also plays a crucial role in India’s campaign within the ICC Women’s Championship.

India’s squad against Australia for the ODI series

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Smriti Mandhana, Priya Punia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Saima Thakor,

Also READ: Australia announces ODI squads for the series against India and New Zealand, featuring two different women captains

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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