Yastika Bhatia, the talented Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batter, recently shared insights into her cricketing journey and preferences in a rapid-fire Q&A session titled ‘Q20s’ on JioCinema. Ahead of Season 2 of the Women’s T20 Challenge (WPL), Bhatia answered a variety of questions ranging from her cricketing idol to her toughest opponent.
When asked to describe herself in three words, Bhatia chose “elegant, charismatic, and fighter,” reflecting her style and determination on the field. She revealed that her 3:00 am friend is her mom, showing the close bond she shares with her family.
Growing up, Bhatia looked up to cricketers Smriti Mandhana and Adam Gilchrist as her heroes, highlighting her admiration for both men’s and women’s cricket icons. Describing T20 cricket in one word, she simply said, “Exciting,” emphasizing the fast-paced nature of the format.
Bhatia named Meg Lanning as the “G.O.A.T of Women’s T20 cricket,” acknowledging Lanning’s exceptional skills and achievements in the shortest format of the game. She also shared that her favorite T20 innings was the 42 runs she scored off 32 balls against Delhi Capitals in WPL Season 1, indicating a memorable performance early in her career.
When asked about her go-to shot, Bhatia mentioned the cover drive, showcasing her preference for elegant strokeplay. She singled out Kim Garth as the toughest bowler she has faced, highlighting Garth’s skill and competitiveness in WPL Season 1 and against Australia.
Despite her intense performances on the field, Bhatia revealed that she doesn’t follow any superstitions before a match. After a tough day of cricket, she unwinds by watching movies on her iPad or television and talking to her family, showing her grounded nature and the importance of family support in her life.
One of the highest points in Bhatia’s cricketing career was winning the WPL and the Emerging Player award, indicating her early success and potential in the game. She also shared that her favorite cheat meal is a brownie with ice cream, showcasing her love for indulgent treats.
Outside of cricket, Bhatia expressed an interest in tennis, badminton, and table tennis, showing her passion for sports beyond the cricket field. She also mentioned that she would like to master the skill of reading people’s minds, revealing a curious and insightful side to her personality.
Bhatia looks up to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant as an athlete from another sport, highlighting her admiration for his skill and impact in basketball. If she could have one superpower, Bhatia said she would choose Doraemon’s Door, which can transport you anywhere, showcasing her adventurous spirit.
Her favorite cricketing venue is The Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, indicating her fondness for the iconic ground. If she were not a cricketer, Bhatia said she would have been a badminton player, revealing her versatility in sports.
Given the choice between facing a fast bowler or a mystery spinner, Bhatia said she would choose to face a fast bowler, showing her confidence in handling pace bowling. Finally, she would advise her 16-year-old self to “do well today and everything will be taken care of,” demonstrating her focus on the present and belief in hard work.
Bhatia’s responses in the Q&A session provide a glimpse into her personality, cricketing journey, and aspirations, highlighting her as a promising talent in women’s cricket. As she continues to make her mark in the sport, fans can expect more exciting performances from this talented cricketer.
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. Delve into the reasons behind this accolade and the impact of Lanning's legacy on the cricketing world.%%page%%){kind=link}