Jemimah Rodrigues Withdraws from WBBL to Support Smriti Mandhana
Jemimah Rodrigues Withdraws from WBBL to Support Smriti Mandhana
Rodrigues stays in India after Mandhana's wedding is postponed due to her father's illness, with Brisbane Heat releasing her to stand by her teammate.
Jemimah Rodrigues has withdrawn from the rest of the Women’s Big Bash League to stay in India and support close friend and teammate Smriti Mandhana after Mandhana's wedding was postponed due to her father's health issue. Rodrigues had flown to India earlier for the wedding and was set to rejoin Brisbane Heat for the final four games, but the celebrations were interrupted when Mandhana's father fell ill. The Heat granted Rodrigues a release from the remainder of the season, saying she would remain in India to stand by Mandhana during this difficult period.
Rodrigues has been a standout for India in recent years, playing a pivotal role in India’s maiden Women’s World Cup title and delivering an unbeaten century in the semifinal against Australia. Her decision to stay back reflects a strong personal commitment to a teammate who has become a cornerstone of India’s cricketing rise.
Heat chief executive Terry Svenson described it as a challenging time for Rodrigues and said the club supported her decision fully, wishing Mandhana’s family all the best as they navigate the health issue and postponed wedding. Rodrigues’ departure leaves the Heat with a smaller squad for the remaining fixtures, but the franchise emphasized player welfare and family comes first during this period.
The episode adds a human dimension to a season already marked by India’s upward trajectory on the world stage. Mandhana’s personal circumstances have intersected with professional cricket in a way that highlights the close bonds within a national side, while Rodrigues’ choice underscores the weight athletes sometimes place on family and friends.
As the season nears its end, both players and the team will balance competitive goals with the ongoing situation at Mandhana’s family home, hoping for a swift return to normalcy once health concerns ease and life can resume its usual rhythm.
Cover image source: Jemimah Rodrigues to miss remaining WBBL season, to support Smriti Mandhana 🔗
