A conversation with Smriti Mandhana was the turning point, says Yastika Bhatia

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.

“It is unbelievable because I was in a very different place six months ago. If you had told me that I would have my name on the honours board, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Yastika said.

“But those were small steps to that place. I have worked really hard and my family’s support was also there since the beginning. All of that really paid off. It is a really great feeling.”

The southpaw wasn’t thinking of a century when she came out to resume her innings on the third day. “Our aim was to post a big total at a good scoring rate so that we would have enough time to take 10 wickets.”

She revealed that a chat with fellow left-handed batter Smriti Mandhana helped her a great deal.

“I had a conversation with Smriti. She just looked at me and said: ‘this is going to be a turning point in your career,’” Yastika said. “Smriti said that because of the similar injuries she had suffered.”