After India Women’s cricket player Jemimah Rodrigues decided to forego the current Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season in order to assist her close friend and teammate Smriti Mandhana during a trying period, veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty posted an emotional message for her.
Following her father’s hospitalisation due to heart-related health issues, Mandhana’s wedding was postponed last week. The Brisbane Heat, Jemimah’s WBBL team, revealed on Thursday that the athlete asked to remain in India to be with her friend. On social media, Shetty lauded the act, describing it as the purest expression of friendship.
“My heart felt full when I came upon this article first thing in the morning. Jemimah departing from the WBBL to be with Smriti. Silent solidarity, no grandiose declarations. Real teammates act in this way. Easy. Straight. “Very authentic,” Shetty remarked on X.
To appreciate the friendship between Smriti and Rodrigues, see Suniel Shetty’s post here.
Bumped into this article first thing in the morning and my heart felt full.
Jemimah leaving the WBBL to be by Smriti’s side. No big statements, just quiet solidarity.This is what real teammates do.
Simple. Straight. Genuine pic.twitter.com/dL04daGjSu— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) November 28, 2025
Prior to her scheduled flight returning to Australia to continue her WBBL responsibilities with the Brisbane Heat, Jemimah had travelled back to India a few days earlier to attend Mandhana’s wedding. The brand affirmed that they had granted her discharge request. In the “International Player” draft earlier this year, Jemimah was the club’s top pick.
“Jemimah Rodrigues’ plea to be released from the Brisbane Heat for the rest of the Women’s Big Bash League has been granted. After the Heat’s game against the Hobart Hurricanes ten days ago, Rodrigues went back to India as part of a prearranged commitment to attend her Indian teammate Smriti Mandhana’s wedding the previous weekend, according to a statement from the Brisbane Heat.
“However, a health issue with Mandhana’s father caused the celebrations to be postponed. Rodrigues will remain in India to support her teammate, and the Heat has agreed to her not returning for the final four games of the WBBL season,” it continued.
With an undefeated century in the semifinal match against seven-time champions Australia, Jemimah was instrumental in India’s first Women’s World Cup victory, enabling them to overcome a formidable opponent.
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