Navi Mumbai: Jemimah Rodrigues's stunning, unbeaten century against Australia in the ICC Women's World Cup semi-final has been met with high praise, with an Indian batting legend lauding her "resilience and mental strength". The magnificent innings of 127 not out off 116 balls, including 14 boundaries and 3 sixes, helped India chase down a record-breaking total of 339, securing their place in the final against South Africa.
Rodrigues's performance has been described as a "knock of a lifetime" and is being compared to Gautam Gambhir's heroics in the 2011 Men's Cricket World Cup final. Her composure, grit, and timing under immense pressure were key to India's victory. Former India captain Mithali Raj credited Rodrigues for her flawless innings, highlighting the importance of individuals rising to the occasion in high-pressure semi-finals.
Australian skipper Alyssa Healy also acknowledged Rodrigues's mental toughness, stating that it was "exemplary" and "un-Australian" for her side to not be as clinical. Healy admitted that dropped catches of Rodrigues proved costly, ultimately changing the course of the match.
This achievement is especially significant considering Rodrigues's recent struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. She revealed that she had been battling inner demons and mental challenges throughout the tournament. Rodrigues credited her parents and teammates like Smriti Mandhana, Arundhati Reddy, and Radha Yadav for their unwavering support during her difficult times.
"Almost every day I cried before my mom because of the anxiety I was going through," Rodrigues said. "Smriti helped me and she knew what I was going through. Friends who I can call family stood by me during this last month. I am really grateful to the people who believed in me. I knew that if I could hang in, I would come up trumps".
Her journey from anxiety to triumph highlights the growing importance of mental health and emotional support in modern sports. Rodrigues's honesty about her struggles could encourage other athletes to speak out, seek help, and find strength in vulnerability.
The match-winning century is not only a personal milestone for Rodrigues but also a significant moment for Indian women's cricket. It marks India's first win over Australia in a World Cup knockout match. The victory has drawn comparisons to the 1983 Men's World Cup triumph, with legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sandeep Patil lauding the team's performance.
Patil stated that Rodrigues's century was better than his own half-century in the 1983 World Cup semi-final, praising her shot selection, calmness under pressure, and gritty attitude. Gavaskar hailed India's triumph as "one of the greatest wins in Indian cricket - both men's and women's game".
Rodrigues's success comes a year after she faced controversy when her honorary membership at Khar Gymkhana was revoked due to concerns about her father's religious activities on the premises. Her match-winning innings has silenced critics who dismissed her as a "reels and guitar queen," reminding everyone of her cricketing talent.
As India prepares for the World Cup final against South Africa, Jemimah Rodrigues aims to build on her form and contribute to another victory. Her story is one of resilience, mental strength, and the power of support, inspiring a new chapter for women's cricket in India.
