India moved to the brink of a historic victory at Lord’s after setting England an imposing target with a second-innings lead of 457. Yastika Bhatia was the architect of India’s dominance, producing a composed maiden Test century that earned her a place on the Lord’s Honours Board. Although Sophie Ecclestone claimed a five-wicket haul to briefly halt India’s charge, Bhatia’s innings, coupled with Richa Ghosh’s half-century, ensured Harmanpreet Kaur could declare with England firmly out of the contest.
‘This is just the beginning, the best is yet to come’
Bhatia described her maiden Test century at Lord’s as the culmination of months of hard work after a lengthy injury lay-off, insisting she still has much more to achieve.
“It feels unbelievable because six months ago I was in a very different place,” Bhatia said after becoming the first Indian woman to score a Test century at Lord’s. “If someone had told me then that my name would be on the Honours Board, I wouldn’t have believed them.”
Crediting her family and support system, she added: “My family has stood by me from the very beginning. I worked really hard and today all of that paid off. But this is just the beginning. I always believe the best is yet to come.”
‘I always play for the team, never for my own score’
Despite reaching a landmark hundred, Bhatia revealed that personal milestones were never on her mind when she resumed batting on Day 3.
“I wasn’t thinking about scoring a hundred,” she said. “Our aim was to post a big total at a good scoring rate so that we had enough time to take ten wickets. I always play my best cricket when I play for the team. I never think about my own score.”
Explaining her celebration after reaching three figures, she said: “Playing for India is a matter of immense pride. That’s why I kissed the flag after my hundred. Doing well for my country means everything to me.”
Mandhana’s advice changed her outlook during rehabilitation
Bhatia revealed that Smriti Mandhana, who had also recovered from an ACL injury earlier in her career, played a significant role during her rehabilitation.
“The day I learnt about my injury, Smriti told me, ‘This will be the turning point of your career.’ She said setbacks change you as a player and as a person, and that my game would reach another level if I stayed patient.”
Mandhana continued to encourage her throughout rehabilitation.
“She kept telling me, ‘You are a sincere person. Keep working hard because your time will come.’ Those reassuring words really helped me.”
‘I had to start from scratch’
Bhatia admitted the road back after knee surgery was mentally and physically demanding.
“After surgery, I had two months of complete rest. I lost all the muscle in my left leg and had to start from scratch,” she said. “Rehabilitation can be frustrating because progress isn’t visible every day, but I always believed I would come back.”
One particular milestone remains unforgettable.
“The first thing I did after returning to the ground wasn’t batting—it was wicketkeeping. Just taking catches made me smile the whole day. That’s when I truly felt my love for the game again.”
A tribute to the pioneers and England’s retiring greats
Bhatia also paid tribute to the former Indian women’s cricketers who laid the foundation for the current generation.
“They didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. We should thank them because they inspired us to play this game.”
She also congratulated England greats Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont on their retirements.
“They have inspired so many cricketers around the world. Heather’s achievements across formats and Tammy’s consistency as an opener have been remarkable. I wish them both the very best for life after international cricket.”
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