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| Source: Instagram/@jemimahrodrigues |
The Early Days
Jemimah’s love for sports started early in life. Growing up with two brothers, she was introduced to cricket at the tender age of four, thanks to the influence of her father, Ivan Rodrigues, who was a junior coach at her school. It didn’t take long for her natural talent to shine. Initially, she played field hockey, earning a spot on Maharashtra's under-17 and under-19 teams. However, her true calling lay in cricket, and by the time she was just 12, Jemimah made her debut for the U-19 cricket team.
Her father’s mentorship played a crucial role in her success. He founded the girls' cricket team at her school and guided her at every step, even managing to balance her cricket training with a solid education. Jemimah's schooling at St. Joseph's Convent High School in Mumbai and later at Rizvi College of Arts, Science & Commerce didn’t hinder her passion for the sport, as she continued to break records and shine on the field.
The Big Breakthrough
In 2017, Jemimah Rodrigues made headlines when she became only the second woman after Smriti Mandhana to score a double century in a 50-over match. She achieved a remarkable 202* off just 163 balls against Saurashtra in Aurangabad. That achievement set the tone for her budding career, and it wasn’t long before she was drafted into the Indian women’s national team.
Her ODI debut came in March 2018 against Australia, and she soon made her T20 debut against South Africa the same year. By October 2018, Jemimah was named in India’s squad for the ICC Women’s World T20 tournament. Her consistent performances earned her the title of standout player of the tournament, a recognition she truly deserved for her dazzling skills on the field.
International Recognition and Achievements
Jemimah Rodrigues' cricketing career continued to rise at an astonishing pace. Her solid performances in various formats of the game earned her a spot in global tournaments like the ICC Women's T20 World Cup (2020) and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she won a silver medal with the Indian team. But it wasn’t just about representing her country on international turf; Jemimah had begun making her mark in overseas leagues as well.
In 2021, she was selected for the inaugural Hundred competition in England, where she was a standout player. She averaged 41.50 and posted the highest score of the women's Hundred with an impressive 92* against Welsh Fire. Her remarkable consistency in T20 leagues such as the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with Melbourne Renegades further solidified her reputation as a top-tier international player.
Her commitment and skill didn’t go unnoticed. In 2023, Jemimah made her mark in the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL), being purchased by Delhi Capitals for a staggering Rs 2.20 crore. She made an immediate impact, scoring 22 runs off just 15 balls in her debut match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The Personal Side of Jemimah
Behind every successful athlete is a strong support system, and for Jemimah, that’s been her family. Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, is not only her coach but also her biggest inspiration. She credits him as her "hero" and acknowledges that much of her success can be attributed to his constant guidance and mentorship.
Jemimah's journey also reflects her dual love for both cricket and field hockey. She excelled in both sports during her youth, a testament to her versatile athleticism. Her father, a passionate supporter of both sports, played an instrumental role in shaping her career in cricket, even though her initial years were spent juggling both hockey and cricket.
A Rollercoaster Ride in the Spotlight
While Jemimah Rodrigues has had an exceptional career, her journey hasn’t been entirely without its share of controversies. In 2024, a video from 2015 surfaced, sparking a media storm. The video showed her participating in a religious event allegedly organized by her father. This, coupled with the termination of her Khar Gymkhana membership, caused a stir. The gymkhana accused her father of using the venue for religious activities, which violated their club's regulations. This incident raised eyebrows and brought her under intense scrutiny, though it remains a minor blip in her otherwise stellar career.
What’s Next?
Jemimah Rodrigues has made her mark as a fierce and talented cricketer, but the best might still be yet to come. As she continues to represent India, the cricket world will be watching eagerly as she aims to dominate international competitions like the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and beyond.
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| Jemimah Rodrigues in gym |
With her all-round skills, powerful batting, and sharp cricketing mind, Jemimah Rodrigues is undoubtedly a player to watch in the years to come. Whether it’s making history in international leagues or securing victories for the Indian team, Jemimah is proving that she’s not just a rising star, but a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s cricket.
Jemimah's journey is one of perseverance, talent, and familial support. As we continue to see her grow, there's no doubt that she’ll leave an indelible mark on women’s cricket globally. Here's to many more milestones and trophies in the years ahead!