Navi Mumbai, October 30, 2025 - Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a career-defining performance, scoring an unbeaten 127 runs to guide India to a historic victory over Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-final. Her stellar innings propelled India to a record-breaking chase of 339 runs, securing their place in the final against South Africa. However, amidst the euphoria, Rodrigues revealed the mental struggles she had been battling throughout the tournament, stating she "almost cried every day".
Rodrigues's emotional revelation has resonated deeply with fans and fellow cricketers alike. The 25-year-old right-handed batter, known for her aggressive and expressive style, confessed that the pressure and expectations had taken a toll on her mental well-being. "I want to give God the glory. I was not able to complete this on my own," Rodrigues said after being named Player of the Match. "I'm grateful to my parents, coach, and everyone else who supported me. For me, the past month has been really challenging. I was experiencing daily anxiety and wasn't in good mental health. Almost every day of this tournament brought me to tears. However, I reasoned that since God had carried me this far, pleasant things must be…".
Rodrigues's journey in the tournament has been a rollercoaster. After experiencing indifferent form and being dropped for a match against England, she staged a remarkable comeback when her team needed her the most. Coming in to bat at number 3, Rodrigues anchored the innings with composure and precision. She formed a crucial 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed a valuable 89 runs. Rodrigues's innings was not without its share of luck, as she was dropped twice during her innings. However, she capitalized on these opportunities, displaying remarkable resilience and determination.
"Today was not about my 50 or my 100. Today was about making India win," Rodrigues said, her voice filled with emotion. "I was not doing well mentally, going through a lot of anxiety. Then being dropped was rather a challenge for me. But I think all I had to do was show up and God just took care of everything". Her words highlighted the immense pressure athletes face and the importance of mental health support in sports.
India's victory was achieved with nine balls to spare, marking the highest successful run chase in Women's World Cup history. As Amanjot Kaur hit the winning boundary, Rodrigues was overcome with emotion, a testament to the significance of the moment and the battles she had overcome.
Rodrigues's vulnerability in sharing her struggles has been widely praised, with many acknowledging the importance of open conversations about mental health in sports. Her story is a powerful reminder that even the most successful athletes face challenges and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. As India prepares for the World Cup final, Rodrigues's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to her teammates and fans alike.
