Navi Mumbai, Oct 31 (PTI) Jemimah Rodrigues embodies a beautiful contradiction, where vulnerability intertwines with resilience, and anxiety coexists with self-belief. She encompasses grit and grace.
Known as the ever-cheerful and lively face of the Indian women's cricket team, Jemimah faced emotional challenges during the ongoing World Cup. She found solace in daily phone calls with her mother after being dropped from the team mid-tournament.
After delivering one of the greatest innings by an Indian cricketer in a World Cup, particularly against strong contenders Australia in the semifinals, she openly discussed her struggle with anxiety.
Her heartfelt post-match interviews revealed her true character and offered genuine insights that starkly contrast with the often superficial remarks one hears nowadays.
"It's okay to ask for help. I'll be very vulnerable here because I know someone watching this might be going through the same thing.
"And that's my whole purpose of saying it because nobody likes to talk about their weakness," Jemimah expressed, providing a glimpse into her persona.
Moment of Truth
In retrospect, dropping her halfway through the World Cup was one of the team's toughest decisions. For Jemimah, it was a defining moment in a career already marked by numerous disappointments.
Last year, her club, Khar Gymkhana, canceled her membership following complaints against her father for allegedly using the premises for unauthorized religious gatherings.
After four years in international cricket, she was excluded from the 2022 World Cup campaign in New Zealand, a decision mirrored in the ongoing tournament when India overlooked her in their quest for the right playing combination against England.
Jemimah watched helplessly from the sidelines, much like during pivotal moments such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal clash and the 2023 T20 World Cup semifinal against Australia, as India faltered in a chase they should have clinched in Indore.
As an early exit loomed for the World Cup hosts, India turned again to the 25-year-old, who was determined to overcome past challenges and steer the team back to success.
Her breathtaking achievement at the DY Patil Stadium on October 30 may take time to fully appreciate. Yet, there is no denying that it stands among the finest performances by an Indian in World Cup knockout stages, regardless of gender.
Jemimah's unbeaten 127 against Australia will be forever etched in Indian cricket history, reminiscent of Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic 171 against the same opponents in the 2017 World Cup.
"She is a very flamboyant person, but also very emotional. She is passionate about the game, eager to run, and most importantly, win for the team — this is always on her mind," her childhood coach Prashant Shetty remarked.
"So, naturally, there was some anxiety before the first World Cup at home." Jemimah's rise through the ranks in Mumbai to becoming a key batter for India was challenging. Being dropped from the 2022 World Cup campaign was a low point, yet it was also a turning point that "provided clarity."
"She has faced setbacks. However, from our conversations, she knows to focus on what we can control, like preparing to the best of her abilities, and maintaining a game plan," Shetty shared.
"When you establish small goals, you feel calmer. Worrying solely about the final outcome and pondering 'what will happen to me' prevents you from focusing on your response."
Despite not having the sheer power of some of her peers, Jemimah prides herself on her quick running between wickets, expertise in the sweep shot, and her ability to pierce the field with precision. These skills were on full display as she dismantled Australia.
Starting her innings with a ramp shot might have been uncharacteristic, but it made a statement, signaling to arguably the greatest women's team that she was ready for the challenge.
After reaching her century, she offered only a simple thumbs-up to the dressing room, showcasing maturity and clarity distinct from the exaggerated celebrations often seen today.
She later revealed she wasn't batting to prove a point but rather to ensure India's victory flashed across the stadium's digital display boards.
Her battles with anxiety and the pressure to maintain her team spot brought Jemimah to the brink, but she was prepared for the challenge.
"It's easy to evoke sympathy and offer excuses. But defining your character is the true challenge," Shetty emphasized when discussing her early years.
"In Mumbai, coaches adopt the same approach in matches. When she was dropped, she played with under-19 and under-14 players. Ultimately, you must score runs, whether on the quality pitches at MIG Cricket Club or Azad Maidan's tricky surfaces."
"Blaming factors like playing against boys or challenging pitches are mere excuses; this is how one hardens as a cricketer," he concluded.
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