In a big blow to the Gujarat Giants (GG), wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out of WPL 2026 after failing to regain full fitness following ACL surgery in October.
Yastika sustained a knee injury during the 2025 World Cup at home. Since then, she has been undergoing rehabilitation, and her return timeline has remained uncertain. Despite this, the Giants secured the injured Yastika at the WPL 2026 mega auction for INR 50 lakh, hoping she would regain full fitness by the start of the season. However, that did not happen, and the capped India player will now miss the entire season.
“Hope you are doing well and that your recovery is progressing well,” GG coach Michael Klinger said in a video posted by the franchise on social media. “Cannot wait to see you back fit and strong and being part of the Gujarat Giants in WPL season five.”
As per BCCI rules, franchises are not allowed to sign a replacement for a player who was already injured at the time of the auction and fails to recover before the tournament. Since Yastika was nursing an injury when she was bought, GG cannot opt for a replacement in their squad.
The Ashleigh Gardner-led Giants won their opening match against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on Saturday afternoon. Yastika was seen cheering for her team from the stands alongside the team owners.
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