India wicket-keeper Taniyaa Bhatia is set for a new chapter in her domestic career as she turns out for the Union Territory Cricket Association (UTCA) women’s side, having spent the last 13 years with the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). The 27-year-old will make her UTCA debut against her former team Punjab in the four-state women’s T20 tournament on September 26 at PCA Ground-B in New Chandigarh.
Bhatia, the first woman cricketer from Chandigarh to represent India, rose to prominence after her international debut in 2018 against South Africa, soon after the 2017 Women’s World Cup. Though eligible to join UTCA when the association received BCCI affiliation in 2019, she chose to remain with Punjab until now. Over the years, UTCA has invested in its women’s set-up, and Bhatia has decided the time is right to make the switch.
Known for her sharp wicket-keeping skills, she holds the record for most dismissals by an Indian in women’s T20Is with 68 in 53 matches, it is her batting that has prevented her from holding on to a regular India spot. Since her last international appearance in 2022, India have relied on Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia behind the stumps.
Bhatia’s leadership had been a constant for Punjab in recent years, but her departure leaves the side dependent on the relatively inexperienced Srishti as wicketkeeper. For UTCA, her arrival adds proven quality and experience to a squad looking to make its mark in domestic cricket.
Earlier this year, in the off season, Bhatia featured in the Australian club competition Twenty20 Max for Brisbane’s Valley District Cricket Club, impressing with the bat and gloves. Domestically, she has also represented Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League and was part of the now-defunct Women’s T20 Challenge.
Despite not being part of the current India set-up, Bhatia remains motivated to return to the national fold. With domestic cricket offering the stage to push her case, she will be keen to make her UTCA debut count, especially against her old team Punjab.
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