Since the inception of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), women’s cricket has witnessed a transformation — one that reshaped the sport’s global landscape. As the premier tournament gears up for its 11th edition, excitement is already running high, the Brisbane Heat Women added spark.
Among the star attractions is India’s Jemimah Rodrigues, who remains the only Indian player drafted this year. The dynamic middle-order batter, fresh from lifting India’s maiden Women’s Cup trophy, is ready to switch gears and make an impact in the shortest format once again. After a successful spell last season, Brisbane Heat retained Rodrigues, showing their faith in her growing influence within the side.
Last season, the right-hander featured in 10 matches, amassing 267 runs that included a crucial half-century. Though the previous campaign had its share of challenges, her current form suggests she could be one of Heat’s biggest match-winners this time around. Rodrigues’ stellar run in the recent World Cup — where she earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament — underlines that promise. Her scores of 32, 33, 76*, 127*, and 24 showcased her consistency and ability to rise to big occasions.
Rodrigues’ WBBL journey has been one of growth and resilience. She first entered the league in 2021 with the Melbourne Renegades, where she impressed with 333 runs in 13 matches, including a top score of 75*. The following year with the Melbourne Stars proved challenging as she managed only 44 runs from five innings. But her move to the Brisbane Heat in 2024 reignited her form — her 267-run tally across 10 innings and a best of 61 reaffirmed her class in Australian conditions.
Joining Rodrigues in the Heat camp will be South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk and the West Indian all-rounder Chinelle Henry, adding further depth to a lineup already rich in international experience. Together, they form a potent middle-order pairing capable of turning games around in a flash.
Interestingly, this year’s tournament will miss several high-profile Indian names. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma will not be featuring in WBBL 11.
Kaur has previously represented the Sydney Thunder for three seasons and the Melbourne Renegades for two. Mandhana has had stints across four different franchises — Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, and Adelaide Strikers — while Sharma turned out for Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars across two seasons.
As the Heat prepare to launch their campaign, all eyes will be on Jemimah Rodrigues — a player whose blend of flair, confidence, and form could define Brisbane’s fortunes in WBBL 11. With a fresh title dream and a world-class lineup beside her, Rodrigues is poised to make this season her most memorable yet.
Loves all things female cricket