Returning Yastika delighted after India's show in Chelmsford
Yastika Bhatia expressed her delight after making a successful return to the side, while also praising debutant Nandni Sharma for her display with the ball.
India kicked off their last T20I series before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a resounding win over England in the first clash in Chelmsford.
Yastika Bhatia, who returned to the T20I setup after more than two years and made a valuable 40-ball 54, reserved special praise for debutant Nandni Sharma, who impressed with the ball in her first international appearance.
“Nandni bowled beautifully. She came back well with her slower ones and that is her strength,” Yastika said after the game.
“She bowled beautifully to her strength and got those wickets. In a debut game it is exceptional.”
Nandni’s spell of 3-34 led the way for India in the absence of first-pick pacer Renuka Singh, providing India a good selection headache to deal with ahead of the marquee ICC event next month.
The batter added that the team shared the emotions of the youngster as she received her India cap ahead of the game.
“She was emotional, we all also felt emotional seeing her at debut and when she got the cap.
“It is exciting times for Indian cricket that whoever is coming into the XI is making their statement and making their contribution.”
The 25-year-old went on to praise the warm welcome from the team that made her comeback from her long injury lay-off even more special.
“I felt really special and I am very grateful. I am coming back after a long time and the team has welcomed me very nicely and it has been very good to be back.
“I am very grateful to all of the people who were behind me at that time and behind the scenes a lot of work has gone to come back again into the team.”
WT20WC: The two sides of Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues, who put on a solid 126-run partnership alongside Yastika for the third wicket after taking over from 7/2, made herself a crucial 69 off 40 to set up India’s score of 188/7.
Yastika highlighted the role played by Rodrigues during their partnership, praising her composure and encouragement at the crease.
“She batted exceptionally, she showed maturity.
"Initially she was very calm and she was supporting me, I was getting those boundaries and she was backing me very well and she was always having a conversation like even if I missed one or two balls, she would say no problem, Yasti you are batting like a dream, just keep playing and you will get the gap.
“Later on she got those boundaries and she got that flow and the strike rate we could all see that changed the momentum again in our favour.
“She is very mature now and we hope to see more innings from her.”
The second T20I is set for Saturday, 30 May in Bristol.