Former India batsman pushes for Yastik Bhatia in XI despite win over Pakistan

Former India batsman Hemlata Kala said that India should include Yastika Bhatia in their playing XI for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup matches.

On Sunday 14 June, India got their campaign off to a flying start with a 64-run victory over Fatima Sana’s Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Yastika impressed in the recent series against England after returning from a long injury layoff. She scored a 31-ball half-century in the first T20I and finished the series with 119 runs at an average of 39.66.

Kala, the former chief selector of India, also said that Yastika is a flexible batter who can be used in the middle order as well, if not in the top three. However, while backing the left-hander, Kala did not specify who should be dropped to make way for her.

“I would like to see Yastika in the XI. She doesn’t necessarily play for one. She can play in the middle order and we should use her, she did well in the recent series against England as well,” Kala told PTI.

INDIA VS AUSTRALIA FINAL

Kala also backed India to reach the semi-finals, citing their strong performance against Pakistan. She added that she would like to see the final between India and Australia. Kala, who has represented India in seven Tests, 78 ODIs and one T20I, expressed confidence in the team’s potential to go deep in the tournament.

“With the way we played against Pakistan, we are confident of playing the semi-final. As a team, we have covered most of the bases. It’s about playing well in the semi-final and if you do that, you’re in the final. I’d like to see the final in India and Australia,” added Kala.

Against Pakistan, after electing to bat first, Smriti Mandhana’s 68 and Richa Ghosh’s 34-run cameo took India to 170 for six.

Deepti Sharma then produced a match-winning spell of 4-0-10-5 to help India bowl out Pakistan for 106 in 17 overs.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will now look to carry the momentum into their next match against Holland’s Babette de Leede on Wednesday 17 June at Headingley, Leeds.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

June 16, 2026 5:42 PM IST