Yastika Bhatia joins Brisbane Heat as injury replacement for Jess Jonassen
Yastika’s signing gives Brisbane an experienced international option ahead of their WBBL 12 campaign opener.
India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia will return to Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League after Brisbane Heat signed her as a replacement for injured veteran Jess Jonassen. Yastika previously represented Melbourne Stars during WBBL 10 and becomes Brisbane’s third overseas signing for the 12th edition.
The 25-year-old is expected to link up with the team before their second fixture against Sydney Thunder on November 1. She will remain available for the rest of the tournament.
Yastika returned to competitive cricket after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024. She scored a Test century at Lord’s against England in July, becoming the first woman to register a hundred at the venue. Heat head coach Mark Sorrell said the addition provides a strong-scoring left-hander familiar with Australian conditions.
CricHubb Take
Yastika’s late call-up shows how ACL recoveries are now measured in months rather than years, allowing players to slot straight into overseas leagues without domestic warm-up games.