Jemimah Rodrigues Opens Up on Overcoming Anxiety After Match-Winning Century Sends India to World Cup Final
Mumbai, October 31 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues delivered one of the most remarkable performances of her career, scoring a brilliant 127 off 134 balls* to lead India’s Women in Blue into their third ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final. But behind that powerful knock was a deeply personal story of struggle, self-doubt, and emotional resilience.
Rodrigues revealed after the match that she had been battling severe anxiety during the early stages of the tournament and often called her mother in tears to cope with the emotional toll. Her stunning return to form was not just a sporting triumph — it was a testament to mental strength and the importance of support during difficult times.
From Anxiety to Glory: Jemimah’s Journey of Resilience
The 24-year-old cricketer from Mumbai began the tournament in a rough patch, with scores of 0, 32, 0, and 33. After a string of low scores, she was dropped for India’s clash against England in Indore, as the team opted for an additional bowling option.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rodrigues was candid and emotional as she opened up about her mental health struggles.
“I was going through a lot of anxiety at the start of the tournament. Before a few games, I used to call my mum and cry — cry the entire time — because when you’re going through anxiety, you just feel numb. You don’t know what to do,” she said.
She revealed that despite the anxiety and self-doubt, her family and teammates stood by her. “My mum and dad supported me a lot. Arundhati (Reddy) — I think almost every day I’ve cried in front of her. Even Smriti (Mandhana) knew what I was going through and would just be there for me. Sometimes she didn’t even say much, but her presence meant everything.”
Emotional Support Behind the Scenes
Jemimah credited her close circle of friends and teammates for helping her navigate the emotional turbulence. She shared how Radha Yadav and Smriti Mandhana played crucial roles in keeping her motivated, while her family became her emotional backbone.
“Radha’s always been there taking care of me. I’m so blessed to have friends I can call family. It’s OK to ask for help, and that’s what happened. My mum is as emotional as I am, but she and my dad went through a lot too. Everyone stood by me and believed in me when I didn’t.”
Her emotional honesty during the press conference struck a chord with fans and fellow players, highlighting a side of elite sport that often goes unseen — the silent battles players face off the field.
Turning Point: From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief
The turning point came after she was dropped from the team — a moment Rodrigues admits shook her confidence.
“When you’re dropped, you have a lot of doubts because you always want to contribute to the team. That day I couldn’t do much sitting out, and when you come back, it’s a lot more pressure,” she said.
However, Jemimah chose to channel that disappointment into motivation. “Sometimes all you need to do is just hang in there and things fall into place,” she said. “I’m grateful for the people who believed in me when I couldn’t.”
Her stunning comeback — including an unbeaten 83* against New Zealand and a commanding 127* against Australia — has been described by cricket pundits as one of the greatest redemption arcs in Women’s World Cup history.
Record-Breaking Chase and Emotional Victory
In front of a roaring crowd at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, India successfully chased down 339 runs, the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history.
When Rodrigues struck the winning boundary off Australia spinner Sophie Molineux, the emotion was palpable. Tears welled up in her eyes as teammates rushed to embrace her — a moment symbolizing perseverance over pain.
“After I hit that winning shot, I just couldn’t hold back my tears. It’s been a journey — from being dropped to this moment. I’m just grateful,” Jemimah told the press, her voice trembling with emotion.
Teammates and Fans Rally Behind Jemimah
Her teammates, including vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, praised Jemimah’s grit and mental fortitude. “She’s been through a lot, but the way she came back shows her character. She’s an inspiration to all of us,” Mandhana said.
Social media was flooded with messages of admiration, with fans and former cricketers lauding Rodrigues not only for her batting brilliance but also for breaking the stigma around mental health in sports.
Former India captain Mithali Raj wrote on X: “What a knock! Jemimah Rodrigues, you’ve reminded everyone that resilience is the biggest strength. Bravo!”
India Set to Face South Africa in Historic Final
With Jemimah’s heroics propelling India into the final, the Women in Blue will face first-time finalists South Africa on Sunday. It will be the first time in tournament history that one of these two nations will lift the coveted Women’s World Cup trophy.
For India, it’s a chance to avenge the heartbreaks of 2005 and 2017 — both occasions when they fell just short in the final.
Cricket analysts say India’s renewed confidence and the form of players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma make them strong contenders to clinch their maiden world title.
A Symbol of Strength and Vulnerability
Beyond the numbers, Jemimah’s story is a reflection of the growing conversation around mental health in sports. Her openness about anxiety and self-doubt represents a new wave of athletes who are unafraid to speak about vulnerability and seek help when needed.
Her journey has resonated with fans worldwide, proving that true champions are not only defined by runs and records but also by their courage to confront inner battles.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Jemimah Rodrigues’ emotional comeback is more than just a sporting milestone — it’s a story of hope, resilience, and the power of human connection. As India prepares for the Women’s World Cup final, Rodrigues stands as a symbol of both vulnerability and strength — inspiring millions to believe that even in moments of doubt, greatness can emerge.