Hours before the start of the Women’s Premier League 2026, the Gujarat Giants have received a huge setback. The Gujarat Giants have lost their star wicketkeeper-batter, Yastika Bhatia, due to injury. The player will not be playing the entire Women’s Premier League 2026. Yastika was auctioned off for 50 lakhs to the Gujarat Giants. This is when she already had an injury. She is a wicketkeeper.
Injury Concerns Persist for Yastika Bhatia
Yastika Bhatia had been ruled out due to a knee injury and had missed the Indian team’s trip to Australia as well as the recently completed ODI World Cup. Uma Chetry has been added to the Indian team in the absence of Yastika.
Sadly for Yastika’s fans, she has not had the time to fully recover for the WPL and thus will not take part in the entire season. Yastika’s unavailability leaves the Gujarat Giants without their first-choice wicketkeeper.
No Replacement Allowed Under WPL Rules
Adding to the Gujarat Giants’ woes, the league rules do not allow the franchise to replace Yastika Bhatia. A standing BCCI directive does not allow the teams to replace players who were injured before the auction itself.
The same rule may also affect franchises like:
Royal Challengers Bangalore: if Pooja Vastrakar fails to regain fitness
UP Warriorz, in the case of Pratima Rawat
This policy places additional pressure on squad depth and adaptability.
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Emotional Support from Gujarat Giants Camp
The announcement was followed by an emotional video posted by the Gujarat Giants across all their social media. The teammates and support staff were seen wishing Yastika Bhatia a speedy recovery, stating they would surely wish to see her back in action in the forthcoming seasons of WPL. It was a gesture that told a lot about the good team culture inside the Gujarat camp despite the sad news.
Gujarat Giants’ WPL Journey So Far
The Gujarat Giants are still in search of their maiden WPL title. Their past performances include:
last-place finishes in the first two seasons of the WPL
A bronze medal finish in the latest edition For the WPL 2025, their campaign concluded with an Eliminator where they faced their rivals, Mumbai Indians Women.
Focus Shifts to WPL 2026 Campaign
As they get ready for the start of their fourth season, the Gujarat Giants will have to come together quickly and make adjustments for the loss of Yastika Bhatia. As the start of the tournament is imminent, the Giants are looking to shake off this temporary loss for a more successful run.
ALSO READ: WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: Who Will Perform And All Details
