India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia is set to return to the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), joining Brisbane Heat as an injury replacement for veteran Jess Jonassen. The 25-year-old will be the only Indian player in the competition this season so far, adding international experience to a Heat side looking to bounce back from a difficult campaign.Yastika, who previously played for Melbourne Stars during WBBL 10, is Brisbane's third overseas signing for the 12th edition.
She is expected to join the squad before their second fixture against Sydney Thunder on November 1 and will remain available for the rest of the tournament.Heat head coach Mark Sorrell welcomed the late addition, highlighting the Indian batter's experience in Australian conditions and her ability to strengthen the batting line-up."Being able to sign such a quality, experienced international player so close to the tournament is a great boost for us," Sorrell said. "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."YASTIKA RETURNS AFTER INJURY NIGHTMAREYastika's return to the WBBL comes after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in September last year.
The setback kept her out of nearly 18 months of cricket, including India's successful ODI World Cup campaign in 2025. The left-hander made a memorable return to the international stage in 2026.
In July, she scored a Test century at Lord's against England, becoming the first woman to register a hundred in a women's Test at the iconic venue. Her innings helped India secure a commanding 270-run victory.Yastika was also part of India's T20 World Cup squad earlier this year and has won the Women's Premier League twice with Mumbai Indians, in 2023 and 2025.HEAT BANK ON INDIAN BATTERYastika previously featured in six matches for Melbourne Stars in WBBL 10, scoring 154 runs and finishing as the side's second-highest run-getter behind Meg Lanning, who made 158.
Her experience in Australia, including appearances across formats, could prove valuable to Brisbane as they look to improve on last season.The Heat have also signed England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast as their overseas players. Under new captain Georgia Redmayne, Brisbane will begin their campaign against Sydney Sixers on Friday, hoping to end a difficult run after going winless last season.
Their most recent victory came in 2024.With Jonassen unavailable because of a hip complaint, Yastika will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact and build on her previous WBBL experience.- Ends