Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 28: India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia is set to return to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after signing with Brisbane Heat as a replacement for injured all-rounder Jess Jonassen. The 25-year-old will bring previous Australian league experience to the team.
Yastika is Brisbane’s third overseas signing for the 12th edition of the tournament. She is expected to join the squad ahead of its second match against Sydney Thunder on November 1. She previously represented Melbourne Stars in WBBL 10. Therein, she scored 154 runs in 6 matches to finish as the team’s 2nd highest run-scorer behind Meg Lanning, who scored 158.
Heat head coach Mark Sorrell said Yastika’s experience in Australian conditions and her ability as a left-handed batter would strengthen the team’s line-up. He added that signing an experienced international player so close to the tournament was a boost, despite Jonassen’s absence due to a hip complaint.
Yastika’s return comes after a long recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in September 2025. The setback kept her out of action for an extended period, including India’s successful ODI World Cup campaign in 2025.
The left-hander returned to international cricket in 2026. She scored a Test century against England at Lord’s in July. With which, she become the first woman to hit a century in a women’s Test at the venue. India won the match by 270 runs. She was also part of India’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year. Moreover, she has also won the Women’s Premier League twice with Mumbai Indians, in 2023 and 2025.
Brisbane have also signed England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast as overseas players. Under new captain Georgia Redmayne, the Heat will open their campaign against Sydney Sixers on Friday. The team will look to end its difficult run, having last won a match in 2024.
