Jemimah Rodrigues, an India batter, will not return to Australia for the balance of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 season after her Brisbane Heat franchise decided to release her from all forthcoming games. Rodrigues made the decision when her Indian teammate and close friend Smriti Mandhana’s wedding was postponed owing to unexpected health difficulties in her family. Rodrigues has chosen to stay in India to help her teammate during this trying time.
The right-handed batter flew back to India following the Heat’s November 15 match against the Hobart Hurricanes to attend Mandhana’s wedding. The Indian star had played three matches this season and was fresh off India’s historic first ODI World Cup victory. She was anticipated to rejoin the Heat lineup shortly after the festivities.
However, preparations were altered when Mandhana’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, experienced a significant cardiac-related health scare just before the event. He was admitted to a hospital in Sangli with symptoms that were initially thought to be a heart attack before being diagnosed with angina.
Mandhana’s fiance, musician Palaash Muchhal, was also sent to the hospital the next day for flu and acidity-related health concerns. Rodrigues, who was in Sangli for the pre-wedding festivities, chose to stay in India as support rather than return to Australia.
It has obviously been a challenging time for Jemimah Rodrigues: CEO Terry Svenson
Brisbane Heat officially confirmed that Rodrigues had been released from the squad by mutual agreement. CEO Terry Svenson stated that the franchise completely understood Rodrigues’ situation.
“It has obviously been a challenging time for Jemi, so while it is unfortunate that she will take no further part in the WBBL, we were more than willing to agree to her request to remain in India. The Heat club obviously wish her and Smriti Mandhana’s family all the best for the future. Jemi told us she was disappointed not to be coming back and has passed on her appreciation to the club and the Heat fans for being so understanding of the circumstances. She has been in touch with the players and wished them all the best for the rest of their games,” Heat CEO Terry Svenson said as quoted by.
Rodrigues, who was the Heat’s top international draft pick this season and in her second stint with the club, expressed disappointment at not being able to rejoin the group. She thanked the franchise and fans for their support and has reportedly been in touch with her teammates, wishing them well for the remaining games.
In her brief appearance this season, the 25-year-old scored 37 runs at an average of 12.33 and a strike rate of 102.77. Heat, currently winless after six matches, will now rely on the returning Grace Harris, who replaces Lily Bassingthwaighte after a rest-management break.
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