India’s middle-order batter, Jemimah Rodrigues, will not return to Australia for the rest of the 2025 season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her franchise, Brisbane Heat, has agreed to the request and gave her permission to stay back in India in the tough times of her national team-mate, Smriti Mandhana, whose wedding has been postponed due to various reasons.

Rodrigues had returned home after playing three games for the Heat, the last of which was against the Hobart Hurricanes on November 15, as part of their pre-arranged commitment. She was set to be part of Indian opening batter, Smriti Mandhana’s wedding last weekend. But the event was delayed at the last minute because of her father’s health issue on the wedding day.  

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“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 wishes her and Smriti Mandhana's family all the best for the future.” The Brisbane Heat dropped the official statement.

Jemimah Rodrigues to stay back in India to support Smriti Mandhana in tough times

Rodrigues, who scored only 37 runs in three outings for the Heat at an average of 12.33 and a strike rate of 102.77, helped India qualify for the final of the recently concluded Women’s World Cup 2025 against Australia, where the 25-year-old contributed with a famous unbeaten half-century to clinch the game.

“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 wishes them all the best for the rest of their games.” Heat addressed in the statement.

Heat will be bolstered with the comeback of all-rounder Grace Harris for the match against the Sydney Sixers on November 28. She will replace seamers Lily Bassingthwaighte after she missed the last game as part of her workload management plan. The Heat continues to search for its first win, having lost all six of its games so far.