WBBL 2026: Yastika Bhatia replaces injured Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has replaced Jess Jonassen in the Brisbane Heat squad for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Jonassen has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hip issue.

Bhatia recently also played in the Women's Caribbean Premier League for Trinbago Knight Riders. She will join the Heat squad before their second game of the season, against Sydney Thunder in Sydney on November 1 and will remain a part of the team for the entire season.

It would be the second stint for Bhatia in WBBL, having previously played six matches for Melbourne Stars in 2024. She finished as the team's second-highest run-getter with 154 runs after Meg Lanning (158 runs).

The 25-year-old has represented India in four Tests, 28 ODIs and 26 T20Is and scored 1263 runs in total. The left-handed batter has played one Test, three ODIs and two T20Is in Australia. Brisbane Heat head coach Mark Sorrell said that Bhatia’s addition will be a great boost for the team.

"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. Yastika has good experience playing in Australia and at Allan Border Field, so we are confident she will fit in nicely with the group,” Mark Sorrell said.

Heat also sign Sarah Grenn and Orla Prendergast

Bhatia was out of action for 18 months after suffering an ACL injury in September 2025, which made her miss India’s World Cup triumph at home. She made her international comeback during the T20 World Cup in June in England. Later, she scripted history, becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's during India's 270-run win over England.

Meanwhile, England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast are Heat's two other overseas signings