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Jemimah Rodrigues, currently the nation’s most celebrated cricketer, is known globally as a whirlwind of energy—a captivating blend of musician, commentator, and spontaneous personality. Yet, beneath the vibrant smiles and effortless charm, a deeper story of anxiety and immense pressure was revealed following her World Cup-defining innings in the semi-final against Australia.
“I have cried almost every day in this World Cup with anxiety, but God took everything for me. I kept talking to myself and quoting scriptures,” she shared after her monumental knock, underscoring the unseen battle fought behind the scenes.
Jemimah Rodrigues at the Bandra Gymkhana ©Cricbuzz
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who has known Jemimah for years, highlighted this duality. He pointed out that behind the guitar, the dancing, and the famous smile, lies a human being grappling with the intense pressure of national expectations—a testament to her deep character.
From Bandra’s Fields to Global Stage
Jemimah is the quintessential, versatile athlete from Bandra, Mumbai. Her earliest cricketing days began at the famed MIG Club, where her father, Ivan Rodrigues, insisted she train alongside boys, a rarity at the time. Academy coach Prashant Shetty, a key figure throughout her 16-year journey, recognized her unique qualities immediately.
“Her passion and hunger were always visible. She desperately wants to win and never gives up,” Shetty asserts.
“She is constantly evolving—always trying to invent new strokes. If you look at her wagon wheel from the semi-final, you see her scoring across every area of the ground.”
Jemimah Rodrigues with her personal coach Prashant Shetty ©Cricbuzz
Her commitment to elite fitness is central to her success. Shetty reveals that Jemimah prioritizes conditioning above all else, a dedication evident in her semi-final effort: she spent nearly 100 combined overs on the field, running 57 singles and seven doubles in her unbeaten innings of 127. Her stunning run-out of Tahlia McGrath was another example of this peak athleticism.
The Turning Point and Folklore Knock
According to Shetty, the most defining moment came when she was dropped from the 2022 World Cup squad. This setback served as a “seminal moment,” prompting intense self-reflection and a renewed commitment to improving her game.
Now, she is living that ultimate goal. Her incredible knock—an unbeaten 127 against the almost unbeatable reigning world champions—has instantly entered cricket legend.
Former India women’s coach WV Raman provided context for the performance’s magnitude: “It’s not just women’s cricket. If you talk about cricket, this innings will be remembered and spoken about… Given all the odds that were stacked against the Indian team and the players, she just produced a gem.
This has to figure somewhere in the top 10 innings in ODI cricket, men and women put together.”
The final now beckons, marking the biggest day yet for both Jemimah Rodrigues and Indian cricket.
For more inspiring stories, in-depth analysis, and full coverage of the World Cup final, visit the ultimate cricket destination: www.crickethighlights.online
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