Jemimah Rodrigues: The Comeback Queen Who Fought Her Way Back
Jemimah Rodrigues — the name itself has come to stand for resilience and adaptability in Indian women’s cricket. Her career so far has been a journey of highs, lows, and powerful comebacks, and her latest performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has just added another inspiring chapter to her story.
After being dropped for the England clash, Jemimah was brought back into the playing XI for India’s must-win match against New Zealand. There couldn’t have been a tougher situation — the semifinal spot was on the line, and all eyes were on the Indian middle order to deliver. Walking in at number three after a record-breaking 212-run opening stand by Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, Jemimah had to ensure the momentum didn’t dip. And she did just that — with confidence, grace, and that unmistakable fighting spirit.
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Coming off a few quiet games and even a stint on the sidelines, she knew this innings had to count. Her first few balls were cautious, just three singles in six deliveries, but once her eye was set, she switched gears beautifully. The drives were flowing, the sweeps and reverse sweeps found gaps, and suddenly, the New Zealand bowlers had nowhere to hide. She played one of the most fluent knocks of the tournament — a quickfire, unbeaten 76 off just 55 balls, laced with 11 crisp boundaries. It was the kind of innings that didn’t just add runs to the scoreboard but also brought back belief to the dressing room.
Former Indian captain Mithali Raj summed it up perfectly after the match, calling Jemimah’s innings “a test of character.” She praised how Jemimah came back “confident, fluent, and expressive,” noting how her shot selection had improved — she played straighter, used her footwork smartly, and didn’t let the pressure of her earlier dismissals define her. Mithali said the timing of Jemimah’s entry — in the 34th over — was ideal, allowing her to play in a phase she understands best.
Statistically too, her knock was crucial. India posted a mammoth 340 for 3 in 50 overs, powered by Mandhana’s 109 and Rawal’s 122, but it was Jemimah’s late acceleration that lifted the run rate and gave India the final push. In the rain-affected chase, New Zealand never quite recovered, ending at 271 for 8, and India sealed their place in the semifinals.
For Jemimah Rodrigues, this wasn’t just another innings — it was redemption. She had been benched, questioned, even sacrificed in the name of team balance earlier in the tournament. But in Navi Mumbai, she showed why she’s indispensable. Her bat spoke louder than any debate, reminding everyone that true class may be tested, but it never fades.
Once again, Jemimah Rodrigues proved what she’s always been — adaptable, responsible, and above all, a fighter.
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