WBBL: Yastika Bhatia Replaces Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat Ahead of WBBL 12

Brisbane, October 28, 2026: Brisbane Heat have signed India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as an injury replacement for experienced Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen ahead of the 12th edition of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). Jonassen has been ruled out of the tournament because of a hip complaint, prompting the franchise to bring in Bhatia to strengthen its batting options.

The signing marks Bhatia's return to the WBBL after previously representing Melbourne Stars in the 10th edition of the competition. She is expected to join Brisbane before their second match against Sydney Thunder on November 1 and will be available for the remainder of WBBL|12.

Yastika Bhatia Returns to Australian Cricket

Bhatia's addition gives Brisbane Heat an experienced left-handed batter and wicketkeeping option as they prepare for the new season. The 25-year-old has represented India across all three international formats and brings valuable exposure to international cricket and franchise competitions.

Her previous WBBL stint with Melbourne Stars included six appearances, in which she scored 154 runs. That experience could help her settle into Brisbane's setup without having to start from scratch in Australian conditions.

Bhatia also arrives after an impressive return from injury. Following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in September 2025, she endured a lengthy rehabilitation period that kept her out of action for an extended spell.

In July 2026, she made headlines by scoring a Test century at Lord's against England, becoming the first woman to register a century in a women's Test match at the historic venue. The achievement underlined her determination to return to top-level cricket.

She has also won the Women's Premier League twice with Mumbai Indians, in 2023 and 2025, adding franchise-cricket success to her international credentials.

Jess Jonassen Ruled Out With a Hip Complaint

Jonassen's absence is a significant setback for Brisbane Heat. The experienced left-arm spinner is the club's most-capped player and one of the most successful wicket-takers in Big Bash history.

The Australian veteran had been dealing with a hip complaint, and medical advice was to miss the WBBL season to give herself the opportunity to recover fully and return to cricket in the new year.

The injury is particularly frustrating for Jonassen after her previous campaign was interrupted by a shoulder problem that required surgery. Rather than risk aggravating another issue, the decision was made to prioritise her recovery.

Although she will not be available on the field, her experience could still benefit Brisbane through her involvement in preparation and match planning during the tournament.

What Bhatia Brings to Brisbane Heat

Bhatia's signing provides Brisbane with another reliable option in the batting order, particularly as a left-hander who can contribute behind the stumps.

Her batting flexibility could help the Heat adjust their combinations depending on match conditions and opposition bowling attacks. Her familiarity with Australian grounds should also help her adapt to the demands of the competition.

However, Bhatia is not a direct like-for-like replacement for Jonassen. While the Indian international offers wicketkeeping and batting depth, Jonassen's left-arm spin and all-round contributions have been central to Brisbane's balance over the years.

The Heat will therefore need to distribute Jonassen's bowling responsibilities among the available players while making the most of Bhatia's strengths.

Brisbane Heat Look to Rebuild After a Difficult Season

Brisbane Heat enter WBBL|12 looking to improve on a disappointing previous campaign in which they failed to register a victory. The franchise has made several changes to its squad, with Georgia Redmayne taking over the captaincy after Jonassen stepped down from the leadership role earlier in 2026.

Bhatia joins England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast as Brisbane's overseas players for the tournament.

With a fresh squad combination and a new captain, the Heat will hope the addition of the Indian wicketkeeper-batter can provide greater consistency with the bat. Her performance could become particularly important as the team adjusts to Jonassen's absence.