"Suniel Shetty Salutes Jemimah Rodrigues' Act Amid Smriti Mandhana Wedding Controversy"
Jemimah Rodrigues skips WBBL to support Smriti Mandhana during family crisis.
Veteran Bollywood Actor Suniel Shetty has applauded Indian Women's Cricket Star Jemimah Rodrigues for her compassionate decision to opt out of the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season in order to support her close friend and teammate Smriti Mandhana. The gesture comes after Mandhana’s wedding was postponed due to her father’s hospitalization with heart-related complications, highlighting a rare display of solidarity within international cricket.
Jemimah Rodrigues had returned to India shortly before the WBBL to attend the wedding initially scheduled for Mandhana. However, following the unforeseen health emergency involving Mandhana’s father, Jemimah chose to remain in India to offer her support rather than returning to the Brisbane Heat team for the remaining matches. The Brisbane Heat franchise officially confirmed her release from the rest of the season, emphasizing the team's understanding and support of her decision.
Sharing a newspaper clipping on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shetty described Jemimah’s action as “the purest form of friendship.” He wrote, "No big statements, just quiet solidarity. This is what real teammates do. Simple. Straight. Genuine." His heartfelt message spotlighted the strength of the bond between the two players beyond the cricket field.
Also Read: Smriti Mandhana’s Father Discharged From Hospital, Wedding Still on Pause
Jemimah’s decision to prioritize friendship and support during this difficult time has been widely admired, especially given her pivotal contribution to India’s historic maiden Women’s World Cup victory, where she scored an unbeaten century in the semifinal against Australia. Known for her remarkable talent and team spirit, Jemimah’s actions reflect the values that inspire and unite the Indian women’s cricket team on and off the field.
The Brisbane Heat’s support of Jemimah’s choice further underlines the importance of personal well-being and empathy in professional sports. As Jemimah remains in India to stand beside Smriti, fans and fellow athletes continue to celebrate this powerful example of camaraderie.
Also Read: Smriti Mandhana Postpones Wedding Amid Father’s Hospitalisation, Deletes All Wedding Posts
