Post by : Maya Rahman

Jemimah Rodrigues, the prominent Indian cricketer, will not be rejoining the Brisbane Heat for the conclusion of the 2025 Women’s Big Bash League. The team confirmed that she will remain in India after arrangements were made for her to support her fellow player, Smriti Mandhana, whose wedding has been postponed.

The club stated, “Rodrigues will stay in India to support her teammate, and the Heat has agreed that she will not compete in the final four outings of the WBBL season.” After contributing in the first three games for the Heat, she recently celebrated India’s historic Women’s World Cup win in Navi Mumbai.

Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson elaborated on the choice, emphasizing the hurdles Rodrigues encountered. “It has undoubtedly been a demanding time for Jemi. While it’s unfortunate that she will miss the remaining WBBL matches, we were glad to honor her request to stay in India,” he remarked. Rodrigues was the top pick in last year's International Player Draft for the team and has been a vital asset.

The wedding of Smriti Mandhana was postponed due to health issues affecting her family and her fiancé, Palaash Muchhal. Mandhana's father, Shrinivas Mandhana, experienced angina and was hospitalized, while Muchhal suffered from flu and acidity problems and has been moved to Mumbai for care. The wedding, initially set for November 23, has been postponed without a new date. Rodrigues had been present in Sangli, Maharashtra, with many from the Indian national squad to celebrate the wedding festivities before these unexpected troubles arose.

Svenson also conveyed the Heat’s best wishes to Rodrigues and Mandhana’s families. “Jemi expressed her regret for not being able to return but was grateful to the club and Heat supporters for their understanding. She has sent her best wishes to her teammates for the remaining season,” he added.

The Brisbane Heat's season has gotten off to a rocky start, having lost all six of their matches to date. With Rodrigues unavailable, the team will need to find other players to elevate their performance in the upcoming games to seek victories. The team’s performance and morale are anticipated to be further tested without their Indian star on the pitch.

Rodrigues’ commitment to her teammates and strong familial ties demonstrates a willingness to prioritize support for friends and colleagues during significant personal moments over professional obligations. Her decision has garnered widespread appreciation in the cricketing community.

Despite this setback for the Brisbane Heat, Rodrigues’ focus on Smriti Mandhana’s welfare underlines the strong camaraderie among Indian women cricketers. By staying in India, she can offer encouragement during this challenging time.

As the Heat move forward in the WBBL season without Rodrigues, they will rely on other players to step up. In the meantime, Rodrigues prioritizes friendship and loyalty by continuing her support for her teammate, a gesture that extends beyond the sport.

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