WPL 2026: Yastika Bhatia Blow Rocks Gujarat Giants Plans

A big early setback for Gujarat Giants as wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been ruled out of WPL 2026, denying fans a first look at her in orange after three seasons with Mumbai Indians.

Gujarat’s first-choice keeper ruled out before debut season

Before the WPL auction, franchises had been clearly informed that any team picking Yastika Bhatia would not be allowed an injury replacement, making this a calculated but high-risk punt from Gujarat Giants management.

For Indian fans, this was meant to be a fresh chapter for the left-hander after a solid stint at Mumbai Indians, where she scored 506 runs in 28 games across three seasons, often providing busy starts and vital runs in the middle order. Her experience behind the stumps and familiarity with high-pressure league games made her an obvious first-choice keeper in Gujarat’s setup.

GG head coach Michael Klinger addressed her absence with a heartfelt message on social media, underlining how central she was to the franchise’s plans.

"Cannot wait to see you back fit and strong and be part of the Gujarat Giants in WPL season 5." — Michael Klinger

With no replacement permitted, Gujarat now have to rethink both their keeping and top-order balance. For Indian fans, the hope is simple: Yastika returns fully fit for WPL Season 5 and uses this forced break as a springboard to come back harder, just like so many great comebacks we’ve seen in Indian cricket.