The floodlights at the DY Patil Stadium were still bright when Jemimah Rodrigues stood in the middle, her bat raised, eyes moist. India had just pulled off the highest successful run-chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history, toppling Australia’s 339 with five wickets in hand. But for the 24-year-old from Mumbai, the victory was more than a sporting milestone — it was a deeply personal triumph.
Only days earlier, Jemimah was fighting a battle few could see.
“I Used To Call My Mum And Cry”
I’ll be very vulnerable here. Because I know if someone is watching this, they might be going through the same thing — and that’s why I want to share it. I was going through a lot of anxiety at the start of the tournament. Before a few games, I used to call my mum and cry, cry the entire time, just to let it all out. When you’re anxious, you feel numb. You don’t know what to do.
Her voice cracked as she recalled those nights. “My mum and dad supported me a lot. And my teammates — Arundhati (Reddy), Smriti (Mandhana), Radha (Yadav) — they were there every single day. Sometimes just their presence made a difference. I’m so blessed to have friends I can call family.”
Dropped, Doubting, And Determined
Jemimah began the tournament with a string of low scores — 0, 32, 0, 33 — before being dropped for the clash against England. It was a crushing moment.
It started with anxiety, and then I was dropped. That really hit me. When you’re out of the team, doubts creep in. You start wondering if you’re good enough. And when you return, the pressure only grows. But sometimes you just have to hang in there — and things fall into place.
She returned stronger, crafting two of her best knocks in back-to-back games — first against New Zealand, and then her masterpiece against the reigning champions. Her century anchored a 167-run stand for the third wicket, sealing India’s spot in the final against South Africa — the first time either side will play for the coveted title.
“Champions Win The Inner Battle”
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman was among the first to salute her courage, calling her story an example of what true mental strength looks like.
This is what mental toughness, killer instinct and real aggression look like. Champions win that internal battle, absorb pressure, and stand tall when adversity hits. Jemimah’s resilience is what defines greatness.
It was, as many fans described it, a day of redemption. After being left out of India’s 2022 World Cup squad and again benched this year, Jemimah’s return was not just about form — it was about belief.
Deepika Padukone Lends Her Voice
Among those who resonated with Jemimah’s openness was actress Deepika Padukone, a long-time advocate for mental health awareness.
Thank you @jemimahrodrigues for your vulnerability and for sharing your story.
Having publicly spoken about her own struggles with depression, Deepika praised Jemimah for normalising conversations about mental well-being in high-performance sport. Fans flooded social media with messages of admiration for the cricketer’s honesty and strength.
Beyond Boundaries
For Jemimah Rodrigues, that night in Navi Mumbai will always be remembered not just for the scoreboard, but for the courage it took to reach it.
I’m grateful for the people who believed in me when I couldn’t. Sometimes all you can do is hang in there — and eventually, things fall into place.
On Sunday, as India face South Africa for a first-ever Women’s World Cup crown, Jemimah’s words linger as a powerful reminder: the toughest opponents are often the ones within.
