WBBL 2026: Brisbane Heat Sign Yastika Bhatia as Injury Replacement for Jess Jonassen
Indian international Yastika Bhatia has been signed by Brisbane Heat for the WBBL|12 season, stepping in for star all-rounder Jess Jonassen, who is out with a hip injury. Bhatia, 25, previously played for Melbourne Stars in WBBL|10 (2024 season) and will be available for the Heat's second match on November 1, 2026.
Brisbane Heat have secured the services of dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as a replacement player for the entire duration of the Weber Women's Big Bash League (WBBL|12) 2026-27 season. The announcement comes as a significant blow to the Heat, confirming the absence of their veteran star Jess Jonassen, who has been ruled out due to a persistent hip issue. BBL: Melbourne Renegades First Club Up for Sale After Cricket Australia Approves Private Investment.
Yashtika Bhatia Joins Brisbane Heat For WBBL 12
Jonassen, 33, who is the most capped player in WBBL history with 153 appearances and holds the record for the most wickets (184) across both men's and women's BBL competitions, will miss the tournament entirely on medical advice. This marks the second consecutive season where Jonassen's WBBL campaign has been impacted by injury, following shoulder surgery in WBBL|11. Her absence leaves a considerable void in the Heat's bowling attack and leadership, though she stepped down as captain earlier in March 2026.
"Last year I was managing a shoulder injury and tried to play through until it got too much for me and was having an effect on both my own and the team's performances, as well as my mental health," Jonassen stated, explaining the decision to prioritise recovery this season. "We considered whether playing through injury was available again, but the advice was to have this period of recovery now, so I can be available for the rest of the season." She aims to return to training in December and feature in the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) in January 2027.
Yastika Bhatia's Return to the Big Bash
Yastika Bhatia, a 25-year-old left-handed batter and wicketkeeper, makes her return to the WBBL circuit, having previously played six matches for the Melbourne Stars in WBBL|10 (the 2024 season). Her previous stint saw her impress, notably scoring a maiden fifty (57 off 46 balls) against the Hobart Hurricanes. Bhatia will be the sole Indian player in this year's WBBL competition.
Brisbane Heat Head Coach Mark Sorell expressed confidence in the new signing: "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." Anaya Bangar to Play in WBBL? Here’s What She Has To Say.
Yashtika Heat's Opening Fixtures
The WBBL|12 season commences on Thursday, October 29, 2026, with the Brisbane Heat kicking off their campaign on Friday, October 30. Bhatia is expected to join the Heat squad ahead of their second match.
Brisbane Heat's Initial Schedule (All times in AEST, UTC+10):
| Date | Match | Time (AEST) | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2026 (Fri) | Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers | 6:10 PM | Allan Border Field, Brisbane | Heat's opening match |
| Nov 1, 2026 (Sun) | Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat | 2:40 PM | Drummoyne Oval, Sydney | Bhatia's potential debut |
Bhatia's addition provides a timely boost to the Heat as they aim to improve upon their performance in the previous season. Her experience and dynamic batting will be crucial for the team in the absence of their key all-rounder.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2026 10:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).