Yastika Bhatia, the talented Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is set to return to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). However, this season she will don the colours of the Brisbane Heat, rather than reacquainting herself with the familiar Melbourne Stars, her former team. This shift comes as a result of Jess Jonassen’s unavailability due to a hip injury.
Signed as Jonassen’s replacement, Bhatia will be integrating with the Heat squad ahead of their next match against Sydney Thunder in Sydney on November 1st and is expected to remain with the team for the entire season. Uniquely, she stands as the only Indian player in this year’s edition of the WBBL.
Reflecting on her prior WBBL stint in 2024 with the Stars, Bhatia, at just 25 years of age, emerged as their second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 154 runs. Though her strike rate was a modest 104.76 compared to her teammates, she consistently demonstrated her ability to contribute significantly in various formats. Her experience includes playing in four Tests, 28 ODIs, and 26 T20Is, alongside a handful of matches in Australia.
Mark Sorrell, head coach of Brisbane Heat, expressed optimism about Bhatia joining the squad: “Being able to sign such a quality, experienced international player so close to the tournament is a great boost for us. We will miss Jess, of course, but it is reassuring to bring in another strong scoring left-hander into our batting line-up.”
While Bhatia’s international outings in Australia have been limited to one Test, three ODIs, and two T20Is, her familiarity with Australian pitches, notably the Allan Border Field, is expected to ease her transition into the team. Sorrell further noted, “Yastika has good experience playing in Australia and at Allan Border Field, so we are confident she will fit in nicely with the group.”
Bhatia’s career has seen its share of disruptions, chiefly a severe ACL rupture in September of last year, which resulted in her missing considerable cricket action, including India’s ODI World Cup victory in 2025. Yet, her resilience was evident as she marked her return during the T20 World Cup in England earlier this year. Notably, she etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s, helping India to a commanding 270-run victory over England.
Joining Bhatia as overseas signings at Brisbane Heat are England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast, bringing additional international prowess to the team.
