Jemimah Rodrigues, one of the most sought-after Indian cricketers in the franchise world, recently sat down and gave an interview during a QUA brand shoot in Delhi. She spoke about her ability to adapt to different roles, her admiration for Virat Kohli, her World Cup aspirations, and more.
Early Life and Journey into Cricket
Born in Mumbai on September 5, 2000, Jemimah Rodrigues was raised in a sports-loving family, alongside her two brothers, Enoch and Eli. Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, who coached her from a young age, was instrumental in her development as a cricketer. Jemimah began playing cricket at the age of four and quickly developed a love for the game, alongside her passion for field hockey, which she played at the state level for Maharashtra. By the age of 13, she had already been selected for the Mumbai U-19 cricket team, and her talents continued to shine.
In 2017, she made headlines when she scored a double century in a U-19 one-day match, becoming only the second Indian woman to achieve such a feat. Her cricketing prowess was soon recognised at the national level, and in 2018, she made her debut for India in both T20Is and ODIs. That same year, she was named the Best Domestic Junior Women's Cricketer by the BCCI and became a standout player at the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Adjusting to Her New Batting Role at No. 5
Jemimah highlighted the significance of adapting to the team's needs, regardless of whether she is batting at No. 3, opening, or playing lower down the order. The team believes her presence at No. 5 can make a significant difference, and she is embracing the challenge. She acknowledged that her mindset remains consistent, but the approach changes depending on the situation. Unlike at No. 3, where innings are built and momentum is created, batting at No. 5 often demands immediate results. She has been putting in the effort during practice sessions to improve her power-hitting, knowing that situations might call for explosive performances, like hitting six runs off the final ball. Although her game is more about timing than brute force, she is steadily working on improving her strength, guided by her father’s advice that brains and skill are just as important as power.
Emphasis on Fitness and Fielding
Since Amol Muzumdar took over as coach, the Indian women’s team has placed a greater focus on fitness and fielding. Jemimah mentioned that the team had recently undergone a training camp dedicated solely to these areas, acknowledging that while progress takes time, the results are already visible. Under the guidance of fielding coach Munish Bali, each player has been given a tailored plan, and the team is collectively striving toward specific goals.
Learning from Virat Kohli
Jemimah finds several similarities between her style of play and that of Virat Kohli. She admires how Kohli manages to hit boundaries even when he doesn't perfectly connect with the ball, and how he intelligently places his shots. She draws inspiration from his ability to construct an innings and run efficiently between wickets. Watching him has influenced her to stay true to her process and stick to the methods that work best for her game.
Overseas Experience and Independence
Jemimah reflected on her time abroad during the Kia Super League, where she had to manage everything on her own, from cooking and doing laundry to traveling and handling finances. She believes this experience, which came at the young age of 18, made her more independent and stronger, helping her grow both on and off the field. Playing in international leagues such as the WBBL, CPL, and The Hundred has exposed her to diverse conditions and top-tier players, which in turn has improved her game and bolstered her confidence.
World Cup Dreams and Inspiration from the Men's Team
Jemimah shares the dream of lifting the World Cup for India, a feat the Indian women’s team has yet to accomplish. Inspired by the success of the men's team, she is determined to bring that same level of glory to the women's side. Although winning the World Cup is the ultimate goal, the idea of celebrating with her teammates on Marine Drive also holds a special place in her heart.
Franchise Cricket and International Experience
Jemimah is thrilled to be a part of the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, alongside teammates like Jess Jonassen and Shikha Pandey, with whom she also plays for the Delhi Capitals in the WPL. The experience of playing in different leagues around the world has provided her with valuable lessons that she can apply when representing India. Her exposure to various playing conditions and meeting diverse players from across the globe has been immensely beneficial for her development as a cricketer.
Standout Performances and Career Milestones
Reflecting on her career highlights, Jemimah recalled her vital innings in the knockout stages of the WCPL for the Trinbago Knight Riders, which helped her team reach the final. She sees every performance as an opportunity to gain confidence, especially when conditions are challenging. This adaptability, she believes, will be crucial as India prepares for the World Cup in the UAE. Her ability to perform in different environments is something she hopes to carry into the tournament.
Success in International Leagues and Further Achievements
Jemimah’s career continued to flourish as she participated in major international tournaments and leagues, including The Hundred, where she was one of the top run-scorers. She has also represented the Melbourne Renegades and Stars in the WBBL and played a crucial role in India’s silver-medal-winning campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. A key player in India's victorious 2022 Asia Cup squad, she also delivered crucial performances during the 2023 T20 World Cup, helping her team reach the semi-finals.
In the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023, Jemimah was one of the top auctioned players, securing a contract with Delhi Capitals for INR 2.2 crores. Her impressive debut further solidified her reputation as one of India's most exciting and valuable cricketers. As she continues to excel, Jemimah Rodrigues remains a key figure in the future of Indian women’s cricket.