As the Indian women's cricket team basked in the glory of their recent World Cup victory against South Africa, a heartwarming story emerged from behind the scenes, revealing the influence of MS Dhoni on Jemimah Rodrigues' preparation for the crucial final. In a recent interview, Ivan Rodrigues, Jemimah's father, shared the advice he gave his daughter before the final match, drawing inspiration from the legendary cricketer, MS Dhoni.
Ivan Rodrigues, a self-proclaimed MS Dhoni fan, emphasized the importance of attitude, stating, "I only told Jemimah one thing – attitude. Your attitude is important. Why is Dhoni Sir a legend? Attitude". He elaborated that Dhoni's calmness, willpower, and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure are the key attributes that make him a cricketing icon. He wanted Jemimah to imbibe these qualities.
To illustrate his point, Ivan cited the example of the 2007 World T20 Final between India and Pakistan, where Dhoni handed the last over to Joginder Sharma, a decision that surprised many, given that Harbhajan Singh had overs to spare. This unconventional move, reflecting Dhoni's astute decision-making and unwavering faith in his players, ultimately led India to victory. Ivan emphasized that adopting a similar attitude and approach could enable Jemimah and the Indian team to conquer any tournament.
Jemimah played a crucial role in India's World Cup triumph, especially with her remarkable unbeaten century in the semifinal against Australia. She scored 127 runs off 134 balls, leading India to a historic victory over the defending champions. Her performance was even more significant considering the pressure she was under, as she had been struggling with anxiety and self-doubt earlier in the tournament.
In fact, Jemimah had revealed that she "cried everyday" during the tournament, battling with her inner demons. She credited her parents and teammates, especially Smriti Mandhana, for their unwavering support during those challenging times. She acknowledged the importance of seeking help and the strength she derived from her support system.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Jemimah's interaction with MS Dhoni has garnered attention. An old video resurfaced after the semifinal win, showing Jemimah recounting a conversation with Dhoni where he was surprised to learn that she used a heavier bat than him. "He asked me the weight of my bat. I said 1200 grams. He said you use a heavier bat than me," Jemimah had said. This incident highlights Dhoni's down-to-earth nature and his ability to connect with young cricketers.
Jemimah's journey to World Cup glory hasn't been without its hurdles. Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, was involved in a controversy last year concerning religious gatherings at the Khar Gymkhana, which led to the cancellation of Jemimah's honorary membership. However, she has put that behind her to focus on cricket.
Ultimately, Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as one of the top performers in the World Cup, scoring 292 runs in seven innings at an average of 58.40. Her match-winning innings against Australia and her overall contribution to the team earned her a place in the ICC's honorary playing XI of the Women's World Cup 2025.
The influence of MS Dhoni's exemplary attitude and leadership extends beyond the Indian men's cricket team, inspiring young cricketers like Jemimah Rodrigues to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief, the importance of a strong support system, and the impact of a positive attitude, echoing the very qualities that define MS Dhoni's legendary career.
