October 31, 2025

Navi Mumbai witnessed an unforgettable night filled with cricket magic and heartfelt emotions. Jemimah Rodrigues, usually the team’s vibrant spirit with pranks and guitar strums, stepped into the spotlight as India triumphed in the World Cup semi-final against mighty Australia. The Mumbai girl’s unbeaten 127 runs weren’t just numbers – they were a powerful story of courage after battling anxiety and uncertainty. Jemimah has often been a strong support player rather than the star, sometimes even sidelined to make space for others. Earlier in the tournament, she faced the pain of being dropped from key matches. "I was going through a lot of anxiety at the start of the tournament. Before a few games, I used to call my mom and cry the entire time, let it all out. Because when you are going through anxiety, you just feel numb. You don’t know what to do," she said, her voice trembling but honest. Family and friends became her fortress. “My mom, dad supported me a lot. Also, there was Arundhati (Reddy) whom I think almost every day, I have cried in front of her. She checked on me every single day. There was Smriti (Mandhana), who knew what I was going through. Radha (Yadav)... I am so blessed to have friends, I can call family,” Jemimah revealed with heartfelt gratitude. Her life off the field had its own storm too. Her three-year gymkhana membership was canceled after her father Ivan faced accusations related to religious activities. Yet Jemimah never hesitated to express her faith openly, drawing strength from it. In a touching moment post-match, she quoted the Bible, "Weeping endures for a night, but joy cometh in the morning’. And today joy came, but I am still weeping." The bond between father and daughter went beyond cricket. Ivan Rodrigues, Jemimah’s coach and biggest supporter, shared a warm embrace with her after her match-winning knock in front of 35,000 roaring fans. From playing state-level hockey to cricket, Jemimah has combined her diverse skills to shine. “I used to stand close to the goal post and deflect the ball. I use the same technique to deflect the ball over the head of fielders behind the stumps,” she explained. Stepping up to bat at number 3, Jemimah fought all doubts. “I didn’t play for my 100. I didn’t play to prove a point. I didn’t play for my 50. I just played to make sure India wins. I wanted to see India win. That was my only motivation,” she said, still overwhelmed by her career-best innings. With stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana leading the way, Jemimah’s shining performance may well crown her as the third powerful force of Indian women’s cricket. Her night of joy and tears promises a bright future where she may soon be more than just a supporting artist. Get ready as Jemimah Rodrigues draws her dream closer to reality with every stroke on the field!

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Tags: Jemimah rodrigues, Indian women's cricket, World cup, Australia Semi-Final, Batting Hero, Cricket Emotions,