Jemimah skips remainder of WBBL; stays in India to support Mandhana amid wedding row

Jemimah with Smriti Mandhana [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Jemimah Rodrigues has skipped the remainder of the ongoing Women's Big Bash League season. The experienced cricketer has decided to stay in India and support her India teammate Smriti Mandhana amid the tough times following the unforeseen postponement of her wedding with Bollywood composer Palash Muchhal. 

Jemimah Rodrigues released from Brisbane Heat's WBBL squad

As confirmed by the Brisbane Heat, Jemimah Rodrigues had asked the franchise to release her from their squad, as she wanted to stand by Smriti Mandhana as her pillar of strength. 

It's worth mentioning that Mandhana was all set to start her married life with Palash Muchhal; however, the wedding had to be put on a hold for an indefinite period due to her father's health issues. 

As Smriti Mandhana battles the personal crisis, Jemimah, one of her close friends, has chosen to stay in India and help her get through the difficult times. 

"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," Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au. 

Jemimah Rodrigues' poor run in WBBL 2025-26

Although Jemimah Rodrigues helped India win their first Women's World Cup with a string of impactful performances, including a ton in the high-voltage semifinal against Australia, she failed to live up to the expectations in the WBBL 2025-26. The stylish right-handed batter let the Heat down with three successive failures, managing 37 runs at a horrendous average of 12.33 and a strike rate of 102.78. 

Brisbane Heat's updated WBBL squad vs Sixers: Jess Jonassen (c), Lucy Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Chinelle Henry, Nadine de Klerk, Charli Knott, Annie O’Neil, Georgia Redmayne, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla Wrigley

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