In the euphoric aftermath of India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 victory, not all noise was celebratory. Young star Jemimah Rodrigues became the target of vile online abuse—some of it rooted in religious prejudice—after her post-semi-final remarks and modest final performance. But she didn’t face it alone.
Delhi Capitals and Indian team veteran Shikha Pandey launched a fierce, heartfelt defense on social media, calling out the trolls with a message that quickly went viral: “If you are envious of her talent, fine. But don’t mask your hate as criticism.”
What Sparked the Backlash?
After India’s semi-final win over Australia, Jemimah gave a short interview in which she said, “I prayed hard, stayed calm, and trusted my process.” To many, it was a humble reflection of faith and focus. But a section of online users twisted her words, accusing her of “playing for religion, not the nation”—a narrative laced with bigotry, not cricket.
In the final against South Africa, Jemimah scored 24 off 31 balls before falling to a sharp bouncer. Trolls pounced, claiming her “lack of aggression” cost India—despite the team winning by 52 runs. The criticism quickly devolved into personal attacks, with her Christian faith becoming a focal point for abuse.
Shikha Pandey’s Powerful Rebuttal
Shikha Pandey, known for her thoughtful voice both on and off the field, didn’t hold back. In a now-deleted but widely screenshotted Instagram post, she wrote:
“Jemimah Rodrigues is one of the most disciplined, hardworking, and grounded players I’ve ever shared a dressing room with. If you’re judging her faith, you’ve already lost the match of humanity. This team wins together—not by tearing one of its own down.”
Pandey’s message resonated far beyond cricket circles, drawing support from athletes across sports, including tennis star Sania Mirza and footballer Sunil Chhetri.
Why This Matters Beyond the Game
Jemimah’s experience is not isolated. Women athletes in India—especially those from minority communities—often face disproportionate scrutiny, with their identity weaponized against their performance. Pandey’s stand highlights a growing need for allyship within teams and accountability online.
“We celebrate ‘unity in diversity’ during national anthems,” Pandey added in a follow-up interview, “but do we live it when the cameras are off? This is our test.”
Support for Jemimah: A Team United
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Amol Muzumdar also publicly backed Jemimah. The BCCI issued a statement condemning “communal trolling” and urged social media platforms to act against hate accounts.
Fans responded with #StandWithJemimah, sharing messages of love and recounting how her elegant cover drives inspired them to take up cricket.
Jemimah Rodrigues: More Than a Batter
At just 24, Jemimah has been a consistent top-order presence for India across formats. In the 2025 World Cup, she scored 178 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 83—anchoring key partnerships against England and New Zealand.
Her calm demeanor under pressure and textbook technique have made her a coach’s dream—and a role model for young girls navigating complex identities in sport.
Sources
Times of India,
BCCI Official Statement,
ESPNCricinfo – ICC Women’s World Cup 2025