Jemimah Shares Powerful Message on Seeking Help

Jemimah Rodrigues talked about the mental struggle she went through in the weeks before she defeated Australia in the World Cup semi-final with an undefeated score of 127. She described the anxiousness that left her feeling “numb” and moved her to tears. During the press conference after the game, Jemimah Rodrigues broke down, expressing her hope that sharing her story will support those going through similar difficulties.

“I will be extremely exposed because I know that if someone is watching, they may be experiencing the same thing, which is why I am expressing this. No one enjoys discussing their weaknesses. “At the beginning of the tournament, I was experiencing a lot of anxiety,” she remarked, stopping to contain her tears.

It was a lot, you know. I used to call my mother and cry the whole time, letting everything out, even before a few games. Because you simply feel numb while you are experiencing anxiousness. You’re unsure about what to do. You’re attempting to be authentic. Additionally, my parents provided me with a lot of support at this period. Additionally, there was Arundhati [Reddy], with whom I believe I have shed tears nearly daily.

‘You don’t come in front of me, I’ll start crying,’ I joked later. But she came to see how I was doing every day. I was assisted by Smriti [Mandhana]. She understood my situation as well. She was merely standing there during a few of the net sessions. Even when she arrived yesterday, she merely stood there since he understood how essential her presence was to me.

“There has always been Radha [Yadav], who has looked after me. Being able to go through it with friends I can call family is such a blessing. And asking for assistance is acceptable.

Despite starting her competition with a few low scores, including two ducks, Jemimah had advanced to the semi-final on the strength of a 76 not out against New Zealand. She was also left out of the match against England because India decided to bring in an additional spinner, which was a risky move considering Jemimah was one of their best hitters. She said that it was hard to be patient, but she decided to persevere and have faith that her time will come.

“My family went through a lot, but everyone stood by me, and believed in me when I didn’t, when I couldn’t,” she stated. “And the anxiety issue was the first. After that, I was left off the team [for the game against England]. I was struck by that.

“You have a lot of uncertainties when you are dropped because I always want to help the team. However, I was unable to do much sitting out that day. After that, there’s a lot more pressure than there was during the previous month when you return.

However, sometimes all you have to do is persevere, and everything will work itself out. Because I couldn’t accomplish this on my own, I am extremely appreciative of those that supported me, understood me, and believed in me when I couldn’t.”

Jemimah entered at No. 3 in the second over and remained at the crease for almost the whole innings as India chased 339. With five wickets remaining and nine balls remaining, she led India to victory with an undefeated score of 127 from 134 balls. However, Alyssa Healy’s dismissal of her at 82 gave her a reprieve during her innings. Jemimah considered her attitude when asked how she would rank her innings.

“How would I rank this inning, really? In fact, I haven’t given it any thought,” she remarked. “All I can say is that I didn’t give it my all. At No. 3, I didn’t play to make a point. I wasn’t playing for my score. All I did was play to ensure India’s victory. The only reason I was motivated was to see India triumph in the end.

“I believe that God also favors you when you think that way. Instead of doing it for yourself, you do it for the team. And I believe that’s how I’ve always played cricket. In fact, I’m at a loss for words.”

Jemimah also disclosed that she had stated a specific objective for the game in a team meeting on the night before the game.

“We were discussing how we could improve in this World Cup, and all I said was that I wanted to stay and see the game through to the end. I am certain that I can form a partnership if I am present, regardless of whether we are batting first. Additionally, because I run good, I pick gaps—unusual gaps—and get those extra 20–30 runs.

The second was that I wanted to make sure I led the team through if we were pursuing. In fact, this feels more like a dream. Everything seemed to be so prearranged. It felt like a prelude to this moment, even though the previous month wasn’t the easiest.”