A conversation with Smriti Mandhana was the turning point, says Yastika Bhatia
Cricketer Yastika Bhatia credits a conversation with teammate Smriti Mandhana as the turning point that led to her maiden international century at Lord's. The innings was particularly notable as it followed her recovery from a serious ACL injury.
Why it matters
This story highlights the mental and physical resilience of professional athletes and the impact of mentorship in high-stakes sports.
Yastika Bhatia had never scored an international century. She chose the best possible venue, or occasion, for that.
Her maiden hundred became sweeter as it helped India score a massive win in the first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s. Her 113 off 158 balls in the second innings was one of the best you would witness in Test cricket.
The 25-year-old defended stoutly when required, and unleashed pleasing shots, all around the park, whenever she got the opportunity. And this knock, which made her the first woman batter to etch her name on the famous Lord’s honours board, came after she went through tough times because of an ACL injury that kept her out of the ODI World Cup at home and more.
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