Jemimah Rodrigues Opens Up on Anxiety Struggles as Her Stunning Century Guides India Into World Cup Final

India batter reveals emotional turmoil, family support, and teammates’ solidarity behind her match-winning knock in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, Oct 2025 : India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has revealed the emotional and psychological challenges she endured before producing one of the greatest knocks in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup history—a magnificent unbeaten 127 that powered India into their third World Cup final. Speaking candidly after India’s record chase at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Rodrigues said she battled intense anxiety earlier in the tournament and often broke down in phone calls to her mother as she struggled to cope with the pressure.

The 24-year-old’s return to form has been remarkable. After a string of low scores and eventually being dropped from the playing XI, Jemimah bounced back with two exceptional performances—first guiding India home against New Zealand and then delivering a career-defining century against Australia. India’s chase of 339, the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history, was anchored entirely by her composure, grit, and impeccable shot selection.

Emotions spilled over visibly when Rodrigues struck the winning boundary off Australian spinner Sophie Molineux. With tears in her eyes, she acknowledged the weight of the moment and the difficult personal journey that preceded it. Addressing journalists at the post-match press conference, she chose to speak openly about her vulnerability.

“I’ll be very vulnerable here because I know someone watching this might be going through the same thing,” Jemimah said. “Nobody enjoys talking about their weaknesses, but at the start of the tournament I was going through a lot of anxiety. Before a few games, I would call my mum and just cry—cry the entire time—because when you have anxiety, you feel numb. You don’t know what to do. You’re trying to be yourself but it becomes very difficult.”

She expressed deep gratitude to her family, particularly her parents, who supported her through the toughest moments. “My mum and dad supported me so much. My mum is as emotional as I am, and she went through a lot with me. My family stood by me and believed in me even when I couldn’t believe in myself,” she added.

Jemimah also highlighted the role her teammates played in helping her regain confidence. She mentioned pacer Arundhati Reddy, who checked on her daily. “Almost every day I cried in front of Aru. At one point I joked that she shouldn’t come near me because I’d start crying again. But she was there for me every single day,” she said with a smile.

Another strong pillar of support was vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who understood the depth of Jemimah’s struggle without needing much explanation. “Smriti knew what I was going through. She would just stand next to me during nets. Even yesterday, she came and just stood there. She didn’t say much, but her presence itself mattered. She knows when I need that.”

She also expressed affection for teammate Radha Yadav, who “always took care of her” and ensured she never felt alone within the team environment.

Rodrigues began the tournament with scores of 0, 32, 0, and 33, after which she was dropped for India’s match against England in Indore. She admitted that being left out amplified her self-doubt. “When you’re dropped, you start questioning your ability. I always want to contribute to the team, but that day I couldn’t do anything sitting outside. It makes you wonder if you’re good enough.”

The setback, she said, pushed her into deeper introspection but also taught her resilience. “It started with the anxiety, and then being dropped really hit me. Coming back into the team with everything that had been happening over the last month felt like enormous pressure. But sometimes, all you need to do is hang in there, and things eventually fall into place. I’m very grateful for the people who believed in me when I didn’t.”

Her century against Australia was a masterclass in pacing a chase—mixing caution with aggression, retaining clarity of thought, and managing moments of high pressure. It was not just a personal triumph but one of the most important innings in Indian women’s cricket history. Her effort lifted the hosts into the final, where they will meet first-time finalists South Africa on Sunday. Regardless of the result, a new champion will be crowned.

For Jemimah, the journey to this high point has been as transformational as the achievement itself. “It’s okay to ask for help,” she said reflectively. “I’m blessed to have friends I can call family. I didn’t have to go through this alone, and that made all the difference.”

As India prepares for the final, Rodrigues’ story stands as a powerful reminder of the human side of elite sport—the mental battles behind the performances and the importance of support systems. And in overcoming her own struggles, she has not only inspired her teammates but also countless fans who see strength in her honesty and resilience.

Team Maverick.