Jemimah Rodrigues, one of the brightest stars of India’s landmark ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 win, reflected on her journey, mindset and inner strength at the NDTV Indian of the Year ceremony.
The 25-year-old played a defining role in India’s title run, most memorably with an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final, a knock that powered the highest successful run chase in women’s cricket history.
Known for her infectious energy on the field, Jemimah explained how she has learned to harness it as a strength rather than let it overwhelm her.
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"Yes, I have my energy, but it's about how you use that energy to your advantage," said Jemimah.
She gave credit to head coach Amol Muzumdar for helping her understand the impact of her presence, especially in the field, and spoke about how her intense focus often surprises her teammates.
Turning vulnerability into courage
"It's also about how I balance that energy. I use it to my advantage; I think it brings the best out of me. And, I think, one of my superpowers is I know how to switch on and switch off, and that really helps me," she said further.
Jemimah also revisited her emotional admission after the semi-final, when she spoke openly about dealing with anxiety and self-doubt during the tournament- a moment that resonated far beyond the boundary ropes.
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The response, she revealed, was overwhelming, with rival South African players embracing her for speaking honestly about mental health. The gesture, she said, left a lasting impact on her.
Jemimah ended the World Cup as India’s third-highest run-scorer, piling up 292 runs in seven innings at an average of 58.40 — numbers that reflected not just form, but resilience and courage.
