INDW vs ENGW: Yastika Bhatia reveals how Mandhana's advice fuelled her comeback century
INDW vs ENGW, one-off Test: Yastika Bhatia credited Smriti Mandhana's advice for helping her overcome a serious knee injury after marking her comeback with a maiden international century at Lord's.
Yastika Bhatia credited Smriti Mandhana's timely words of encouragement for helping her navigate 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 struck a sublime 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 an imposing target of 457. India's bowlers then made full use of the conditions to leave the hosts reeling at stumps on Day 3, six wickets down and still needing 327 runs for victory.
The century marked a stunning turnaround for Bhatia, who spent months on the sidelines after tearing the ACL in her left knee during a training camp last year. The injury required surgery in October and ruled her out of India's victorious home ODI World Cup campaign as well as this year's Women's Premier League.
Bhatia returned to international cricket during the England tour 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 at the T20 World Cup, she produced the defining innings of her comeback at Lord's.
ENG-W vs IND-W, Lord's Test: Highlights | Scorecard
Speaking after the day's play, Bhatia revealed that Mandhana, who had gone through a similar ACL injury in 2017, played a crucial role in keeping her motivated during rehabilitation.
"I had a conversation with her and she just looked at me and said that this is going to be a turning point in your career," Bhatia said.
"She told me that after her injury she learned so much through rehab and cricket, and that it completely changed her. She said my mindset would also change, that my game would go to a different level. Those words stayed with me."
Bhatia admitted she was uncertain about her future during the rehabilitation process but said Mandhana's reassurance gave her confidence.
"I was a little nervous about how things would go, but she said, 'Keep doing your hard work. You are a sincere kid, you are a good human. One day your time will come.' She gave me those reassuring words and helped me then."
The pair also shared a crucial 73-run partnership for the second wicket before Mandhana, who made 70, was dismissed early on the third morning. Although Mandhana was no longer at the crease when Bhatia reached three figures, the moment carried added significance given their shared journey 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 very different place. If you had told me then that I would have my name on the honours board, I wouldn't have believed it," she said.
"But it's all small steps. I worked really hard and my family's support was there throughout. It's a really great feeling."
The wicketkeeper also reflected on how returning behind the stumps became an emotional milestone in her recovery.
"Keeping was the first thing I could do after surgery. I was smiling the whole day after taking catches again. Those moments are priceless because they made me fall in love with the game again."
Bhatia said that rediscovering that love for cricket was the key to overcoming the darkest phase of her career.
"Whatever setbacks you have, however deep they are, the love for the game and belief in yourself are very important to come out of rock bottom and rise again."
Yastika Bhatia credited Smriti Mandhana's timely words of encouragement for helping her navigate 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 struck a sublime 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 an imposing target of 457. India's bowlers then made full use of the conditions to leave the hosts reeling at stumps on Day 3, six wickets down and still needing 327 runs for victory.
The century marked a stunning turnaround for Bhatia, who spent months on the sidelines after tearing the ACL in her left knee during a training camp last year. The injury required surgery in October and ruled her out of India's victorious home ODI World Cup campaign as well as this year's Women's Premier League.
Bhatia returned to international cricket during the England tour 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 at the T20 World Cup, she produced the defining innings of her comeback at Lord's.
ENG-W vs IND-W, Lord's Test: Highlights | Scorecard
Speaking after the day's play, Bhatia revealed that Mandhana, who had gone through a similar ACL injury in 2017, played a crucial role in keeping her motivated during rehabilitation.
"I had a conversation with her and she just looked at me and said that this is going to be a turning point in your career," Bhatia said.
"She told me that after her injury she learned so much through rehab and cricket, and that it completely changed her. She said my mindset would also change, that my game would go to a different level. Those words stayed with me."
Bhatia admitted she was uncertain about her future during the rehabilitation process but said Mandhana's reassurance gave her confidence.
"I was a little nervous about how things would go, but she said, 'Keep doing your hard work. You are a sincere kid, you are a good human. One day your time will come.' She gave me those reassuring words and helped me then."
The pair also shared a crucial 73-run partnership for the second wicket before Mandhana, who made 70, was dismissed early on the third morning. Although Mandhana was no longer at the crease when Bhatia reached three figures, the moment carried added significance given their shared journey 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 very different place. If you had told me then that I would have my name on the honours board, I wouldn't have believed it," she said.
"But it's all small steps. I worked really hard and my family's support was there throughout. It's a really great feeling."
The wicketkeeper also reflected on how returning behind the stumps became an emotional milestone in her recovery.
"Keeping was the first thing I could do after surgery. I was smiling the whole day after taking catches again. Those moments are priceless because they made me fall in love with the game again."
Bhatia said that rediscovering that love for cricket was the key to overcoming the darkest phase of her career.
"Whatever setbacks you have, however deep they are, the love for the game and belief in yourself are very important to come out of rock bottom and rise again."
