New Delhi: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues says last year’s historic Women’s Cricket World Cup win hasn’t left the team satisfied — if anything, it’s made them hungrier. With the first-ever Women’s Champions Trophy on the horizon, Rodrigues believes the squad now understands exactly what it takes to go all the way, and they’re eager to do it again.
Winning Has Changed How the Team Thinks
India’s maiden World Cup title, clinched on home turf last year, was a watershed moment for the sport in the country. Beyond the trophy itself, it gave the players something arguably more valuable — first-hand knowledge of how to handle the pressure of a major tournament and come out on top.
Speaking to Jio Star, Rodrigues explained that tasting that kind of success only fuels the desire for more of it. Having experienced what it feels like to be the best, she said, the players now want to chase that feeling again rather than settle.
She also spoke about what makes the upcoming Champions Trophy special — being part of a tournament’s very first edition is something she doesn’t take lightly, and it’s an experience she’s looking forward to.
Team First, Always
Even with the extra confidence the World Cup win has brought, Rodrigues insists India’s core approach won’t change. Individual milestones, she said, will always matter less than the team walking away with the result. Winning matches for India remains the only real goal — and she doesn’t see that mindset shifting no matter how big the occasion.
In that sense, the Champions Trophy becomes less about redefining ambitions and more about continuing what India started at the World Cup.
A Tough South Africa Series Comes First
Before the Champions Trophy, though, India have a demanding assignment closer at hand — a full multi-format tour of South Africa in December. It kicks off with a one-off Test in Gqeberha on December 9, followed by a three-match ODI series from December 16, and wraps up with three T20Is starting December 26.
It’s a series loaded with subtext, given South Africa were the team India beat in the World Cup final to claim their first title. Rodrigues expects nothing easy — she pointed out how frequently the two sides have faced off recently and called South Africa a genuinely strong side, one that will be even tougher to beat on home soil. She’s also looking forward to testing herself against them across formats, in unfamiliar conditions.
A Promising Hundred Campaign Cut Short
Rodrigues’ most recent outing came with Southern Brave in The Hundred 2026, where she racked up 143 runs across six matches and picked up two Player of the Match awards, helping her side reach the playoffs. Her campaign, however, ended prematurely after she picked up a hamstring injury.
With India’s busy international calendar ahead, she’ll now be focused on getting back to full fitness and building on her recent form as she looks to remain central to India’s plans going forward.
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