Mumbai | Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues has spoken candidly about her struggle with anxiety during the Women’s World Cup, days after her unbeaten century guided India to a dramatic semi-final victory over Australia.
Rodrigues played a sensational knock of 127 not out at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, leading India to a record-breaking chase of 339 runs and securing a five-wicket win against the defending champions.
In an emotional reflection after the match, the 25-year-old revealed that the road to success was not easy. She had battled anxiety and moments of self-doubt, especially after being left out of the team earlier in the tournament.
“I just want to be honest because someone out there might be going through the same thing,” Rodrigues said. “There were days when I felt numb, unsure of myself, but my parents stood by me through it all. I’m grateful I didn’t have to face it alone.”
Rodrigues had missed the 2022 edition due to a dip in form and said being dropped again this year was mentally tough. “When you’re dropped, you start questioning your worth. I just wanted to contribute to the team — that’s what hurt the most. But sometimes you just need to hang in there, and things eventually turn around,” she added.
Her composed 76 not out against New Zealand earlier in the tournament helped rebuild her confidence before her career-defining performance against Australia.
“When I walked out to bat, I wasn’t thinking about my personal score,” Rodrigues shared. “My only focus was helping India win. That’s what motivated me every ball.”
India will face South Africa in the final on Sunday, with both teams vying for their first-ever Women’s World Cup title — ensuring a new champion in women’s cricket for the first time in over five decades.
Rodrigues’ openness has sparked praise across the cricketing community, shedding light on the importance of mental health awareness in sports and reminding fans that resilience and honesty are as powerful as any on-field performance.
