Jemimah Rodrigues Set for Comeback vs New Zealand?
All eyes are on India’s camp ahead of their crucial ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against New Zealand—and head coach Amol Muzumdar has just dropped a major hint that star batter Jemimah Rodrigues could be making a dramatic return to the XI.
After being left out of the playing eleven in the high-stakes match against England—a decision made to accommodate a sixth bowler—Rodrigues’ absence sparked widespread debate among fans and experts alike. But Muzumdar’s latest comments suggest the door is wide open for her comeback when it matters most.
Coach Muzumdar’s Big Hint
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the New Zealand fixture, Muzumdar acknowledged the difficulty of benching Rodrigues, one of India’s most consistent top-order batters in recent years.
“It was never an easy call to leave Jemimah out. She brings stability, experience, and match-winning ability. Against New Zealand, conditions and strategy might call for a different balance—and we’re keeping all options open,”
While not a direct confirmation, the statement strongly implies that Rodrigues is in serious contention to reclaim her spot at the top of the order.
Why Was She Dropped Against England?
India’s tactical shift against England saw the team prioritize bowling depth over batting firepower on a seaming track in Derby. The move backfired slightly, as the middle order struggled to accelerate, finishing 25 runs short of a competitive total.
With New Zealand boasting a strong pace attack but a relatively weaker spin threat, analysts believe India may revert to a more traditional 5-bowler setup—opening the door for Rodrigues’ elegant strokeplay to counter the likes of Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine.
Backing Pratika Rawal Amid Strike Rate Questions
Muzumdar also took time to defend young opener Pratika Rawal, whose strike rate of 68 in her debut World Cup match drew criticism on social media.
“Pratika faced one of the best new-ball attacks in the world on debut,” Muzumdar said. “She scored 42 off 62 balls in tough conditions—her composure was exceptional. We’re fully behind her.”
Rawal’s debut stats actually compare favorably with other Indian openers in recent World Cups:
| Player | Debut WC Innings | Runs | SR | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pratika Rawal (2025) | vs England | 42 | 68 | Loss |
| Shafali Verma (2022) | vs Australia | 34 | 92 | Loss |
| Smriti Mandhana (2017) | vs Pakistan | 58 | 76 | Win |
What Jemimah’s Return Means for India
If selected, Rodrigues would likely bat at No. 3, allowing Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal to open. Her ability to rotate strike and build partnerships could be vital against New Zealand’s disciplined line-and-length attack.
Rodrigues’ recent domestic form backs her case: she scored 327 runs at an average of 81.75 in the last Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, including two centuries.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
With both India and New Zealand sitting mid-table in the points chart, this match is essentially a knockout. A win keeps India’s semifinal hopes alive; a loss could spell an early exit from the tournament.
“Every match from here is do-or-die,” Muzumdar emphasized. “We’re picking the XI that gives us the best chance to win—not based on reputation, but on what the game demands.”
Whether that includes Jemimah Rodrigues may be the biggest clue yet to India’s game plan.
Sources
- The Times of India: “Will Jemimah Rodrigues return for crucial NZ clash?”
- ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Official Statistics
- BCCI Media Release (October 22, 2025)