Table of Contents
- Century and Tears: A Victory Beyond Runs
- ‘I Was Crying Every Day’
- The Turning Point in Her World Cup Journey
- How Family, Faith, and Friends Pulled Her Through
- Why Her Honesty Matters for Women’s Cricket
- Sources
Century and Tears: A Victory Beyond Runs
Jemimah Rodrigues didn’t just score a century in India’s historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia—she shattered silence around mental health in elite sport. Her unbeaten 127, the highest individual score by an Indian woman in a World Cup knockout match, powered India to a record 339-run chase and a place in the final.
But behind the cover drives and calm composure was a story far more powerful than cricket: a months-long battle with anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion that nearly derailed her tournament.
‘I Was Crying Every Day’
In a raw and emotional post-match press conference, the 22-year-old opened up about her mental health struggles. “I was crying every day,” she revealed, voice trembling. “There were moments I didn’t think I belonged here. I questioned if I was good enough.”
Her vulnerability stunned the room—and resonated with fans worldwide. In a sport where toughness is often equated with silence, Jemimah’s honesty was revolutionary.
“People see the runs, the sixes, the smiles on the field,” she said. “But they don’t see the nights you lie awake wondering if you’ll ever find your form again.”
Early Tournament Struggles
Before her semifinal masterclass, Jemimah had scored just 89 runs in five innings, with three single-digit scores. Critics questioned her place in the XI. Social media buzzed with doubt. The pressure mounted.
“Every failure felt like a confirmation that I wasn’t cut out for this level,” she admitted.
The Turning Point in Her World Cup Journey
The shift began after a heart-to-heart with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Amol Muzumdar. Instead of technical fixes, they focused on mindset.
“Harmanpreet Didi told me, ‘Your value isn’t tied to your last score,’” Jemimah recalled. “That changed everything.”
She started journaling, limited social media, and leaned into routines that grounded her—morning prayers, walks, and calls with her younger sister.
How Family, Faith, and Friends Pulled Her Through
Jemimah credits her resilience to three pillars: her family in Mumbai, her Christian faith, and a tight circle of trusted friends who “never let me believe the noise.”
“My mom would say, ‘God didn’t bring you this far to leave you now,’” she shared, smiling through tears. “That kept me going.”
Even during the semifinal, she wore a small cross around her neck—a quiet reminder of something bigger than the game.
Why Her Honesty Matters for Women’s Cricket
Mental health has long been stigmatized in Indian sports, especially for women expected to “stay strong” without complaint. Jemimah’s candor breaks that mold.
Experts say her openness could inspire a cultural shift. “When a star athlete admits they struggle, it gives permission for others to seek help,” said Dr. Neha Patel, a sports psychologist with the National Cricket Academy.
Cricket boards worldwide are now investing more in mental wellness programs—but voices like Jemimah’s accelerate change faster than policy ever could.
As India prepares for the World Cup final, Jemimah isn’t just a batting star. She’s become a symbol of courage—not just for scoring runs, but for showing that strength includes vulnerability.