Actor Suniel Shetty has reacted emotionally to Jemimah Rodrigues’ decision to step away from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) to support teammate Smriti Mandhana. He shared that the gesture showed what real friendship and team spirit truly look like.
Suniel Shetty, who is known to be an active cricket supporter and is often seen cheering from stadium stands, posted his thoughts and feelings on X (formerly Twitter) after reading about Rodrigues’ decision. Sharing a newspaper clipping about the news, he wrote a heartfelt message that has touched many fans online.
His post read, “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.”
Check out his 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
A day earlier, Brisbane Heat officially announced that Jemimah Rodrigues would not continue in the ongoing WBBL season. The talented batter chose to fly back to India to be with her close friend and teammate Smriti Mandhana, who has been going through a difficult personal phase.
The recent days have been extremely tough for Mandhana, India’s star opener and vice-captain of the women’s national team. She was supposed to get married to music composer Palash Muchhal on Sunday, November 23. However, the wedding had to be stopped unexpectedly due to health and personal reasons, leaving the cricketer emotionally distressed.
Rodrigues’ quiet decision to immediately return to support Smriti Mandhana is being praised as a powerful example of loyalty and care, both on and off the field. Suniel Shetty’s post highlighted how such actions speak louder than any public statement.
Many fans responded by calling it a beautiful example of true friendship in sports and applauded Shetty for recognising the importance of empathy during personal struggles. As the news spreads, support continues to pour in for Smriti Mandhana during this challenging time, with fans hoping for peace and strength for her and admiration flowing toward Rodrigues for choosing compassion first.Also Read: Suniel Shetty REVEALS why he rejects south film offers
