INDW vs ENGW: Yastika Bhatia reveals how Mandhana’s advice fueled her comeback century
Yastika Bhatia credited Smriti Mandhan’s timely words of encouragement for helping her through the toughest phase of her career after the wicketkeeper-batter scripted a remarkable comeback with her maiden international century in the one-off women’s Test against England at Lord’s.
Bhatia made a stunning 113 off 158 balls to become the first woman to score a Test century at the iconic venue, helping India declare their second innings at 343 for 6 and set England a formidable target of 457. The Indian bowlers then took full advantage of the conditions to leave the hosts reeling at stumps on Day 3, six wickets down and still needing 327 runs to win.
The century marked a stunning turnaround for Bhatia, who spent months on the sidelines after tearing the ACL in her left knee during training camp last year. The injury required surgery in October and ruled her out of India’s victorious ODI World Cup home campaign and this year’s Women’s Premier League.
Bhatia returned to international cricket during the tour of England in May and registered her maiden T20I fifty in her first appearance after an 18-month absence. However, after managing just 41 runs in three innings in the T20 World Cup, she produced the decisive innings of her comeback at Lord’s.
ENG-W vs IND-W, Lord’s Test: Highlighting | Scorecard
After the day’s play, Bhatia revealed that Mandhana, who suffered a similar ACL injury in 2017, was instrumental in keeping her motivated during her rehabilitation.
“I was talking to her and she just looked at me and said this is going to be a turning point in your career,” Bhatia said.
“She told me that after her injury she had learned so much through rehabilitation and cricket and that it had completely changed her. She said that my mindset would also change, that my game would go to another level. Those words stuck with me.”
Bhatia admitted that she was unsure about her future during the rehabilitation process, but said Mandhana’s reassurance gave her confidence.
“I was a little nervous about how things would turn out, but she said, ‘Keep up your hard work. You’re an honest kid, you’re a good person. One day your time will come.’ She gave me these comforting words and helped me.”
The pair also shared a crucial partnership of 73 runs for the second wicket before Mandhana, who made 70, was dismissed early on the third morning. Although Mandhana was no longer in the crease when Bhatia reached three figures, the moment had an added significance given their journey together through serious knee injuries.
Bhatia described her hundred as almost unimaginable six months ago, when she was still recovering from surgery.
“It’s unbelievable because six months ago I was in a completely different place. If you had told me then that I would have my name on the honors board, I wouldn’t have believed it,” she said.
“But it’s all baby steps. I’ve been working really hard and the support of my family has been there the whole time. It’s a really great feeling.”
The wicketkeeper also reflected on how getting back behind the stumps became an emotional milestone in her recovery.
“Maintaining was the first thing I could do after the surgery. I was smiling all day after the catch again. Those moments are priceless because they made me fall in love with the game again.”
Bhatia said rediscovering her love for cricket was the key to overcoming the darkest phase of her career.
“Whatever setbacks you have, however deep, the love of the game and belief in yourself are very important to get out of the bottom and get back up again.”
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
13 Jul 2026 08:05 IST