Jemimah Rodrigues’s redeeming howl

The clamour and a celebration reminiscent of David Warner told it all. Jemimah Rodrigues, who is devoutly religious, often does not exhibit such pronounced aggressiveness or emotion on the cricket field.

But this was unique. So, after helping herself to a fifty and India to a seven-wicket win in their 2023 T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan, Rodrigues spent an extra 10 seconds dedicating the knock to her parents’ support, raising her bat to their balcony seats at the Newlands, before including a patiently applauding Richa Ghosh in her celebrations.

Jemimah Rodrigues was moving at a run-a-ball pace until Ghosh joined her in the centre. Gentle taps, drives, and harmless sweeps meant that she continued to pass the strike to her more proficient partners, Shafali Verma or Harmanpreet Kaur, even when she was unable to hit the ball to the boundary. The intent had always been apparent. With her skipper departing at the conclusion of an exceptional middle-overs session by Nashra Sandhu (2/15) and another 55 runs required in 36 balls, the well-set hitter knew it was time to take command. However, aggression was not necessarily the solution.

Whether he was grabbing singles or playing with the field, Jemimah Rodrigues’ batting has always been marked by intelligence. Without a fine leg in position, she walked to the offside, inviting Fatima Sana to bowl at the exposed stumps as she knelt and swung the ball to the unguarded boundary. Rodrigues did so twice, while Ghosh capitalised on Aiman Anwer’s poor bowling to hit three successive fours and reduce the equation to 13 off 11 balls before handing over the strike.

Sana, frustrated, resorted to a short-ball strategy while offering breadth. This time, Jemimah Rodrigues aimed for the vacant third man region, made additional room, and smacked the ball over the fielder in the ring with a hop. She then struck the following ball through extra cover to seal the game with an over remaining.

The fact that an asking rate of nearly 10 at the end of India’s record-setting World Cup chase of 150 didn’t faze the fourth-wicket partnership was where Pakistan fell behind, despite bowling brilliantly up until that point. In part, this was due to the confidence and camaraderie that both Rodrigues and Ghosh had developed through a similar 92-run partnership in their last official warm-up match against Bangladesh, despite losing important wickets at the same time. Ghosh led the way with an unbeaten 91 off 56 balls and Rodrigues scored 41 off 27 balls as India amassed 132 runs in the second half of their innings to establish a commanding 183-run total.

“Therefore, we felt any goal was attainable as long as we were both present,” Jemimah Rodrigues explained of their Sunday strategy. “What we both agreed upon was that [we need] singles off every ball, and any loose ball that they bowl is our bonus. Therefore, we ended up scoring nine to twelve runs per over without taking any risks. This is the discussion we are having.

However, we were quite explicit about which balls to pick up and how to play intelligently at the same time. We understood we had no choice but to proceed because we were in a solid position.

“We were not very disturbed by the image of 150 runs. We were more concerned with achieving the lesser objectives in order to reach the larger objective. We were certainly targeting bowlers, and there was a great deal of dialogue… Constantly glancing at the scoreboard, we understood which bowler we could target and which bowler we had to play cautiously against since they were also bowling exceptionally effectively and limiting our options. Additionally, the pitch was somewhat sluggish, which aided their spinners. Therefore, we understood we only needed to be prudent and play intelligently, which is what we did, and I’m delighted the outcomes were in our favour “she concluded.

Since her comeback a year ago, each of her nine contributions of 30+ points has demonstrated the maturity to handle these challenging situations. In all fairness, Rodrigues had only missed a meaningless one-off T20I India played in New Zealand when the 2022 ODI World Cup was the focal point. However, at this time last year, the India top-order batter was suffering from the agony of a World Cup snub, which made her return seem lengthier and more arduous.

When she “wasn’t in a good mood,” the support and backing of her family, friends, and teammates saved the day. A break also helped. To eventually recover, a heartbroken Rodrigues modified her attitude to practise and preparation. She claimed she “wouldn’t alter a thing” about the voyage, even if given the option, because it helped her rediscover the joy of cricket.

“On numerous occasions, I had nothing to say to myself,” she said openly to reporters in Cape Town. “So frequently had I given up that I lacked the strength to continue… But [even] when I didn’t believe in myself, I was fortunate to have individuals who did and who gave me the strength to persevere.”

Together with her coach Prashant Shetty and father Ivan Rodrigues, the 22-year-old devised a strategy to obtain additional game experience by competing in at least two matches per week against the local U-19 boys’ team. Those games would not be played on readily available flat tracks, but rather at Mumbai’s congested and mismanaged Azad Maidan, which, in the morning, delivered practically damp grounds that rapidly deteriorated by the second innings to become rank-turning.

“It was played in difficult conditions and against bowlers of high calibre. But, you know, those tiny runs – I scored around 45 runs in the first game – gave me a lot of confidence. It was comparable to earning an 80 on a flat track. Therefore, immersing myself in such hard situations assisted me in leaving my comfort zone.

“I even played against U-14 boys prior to the domestic season, which carried its own strain… “being an India player playing with U-14 boys if I lose my wicket,” you know. Honestly, those were the thoughts running through my mind at the time. That was a great deal of strain, but I also had to overcome these thoughts. However, I believe that all of these tiny things add together to make you the player that you are. And I am glad for all that has transpired.”

Since last year’s defeat, India’s Rodrigues has been a T20 specialist, and a very successful one at that. She topped the Asia Cup run rankings with 217 runs and was India’s second-best batswoman during the Sri Lanka tour and Birmingham Commonwealth Games earlier in the year. Since the start of the 2022 season, she has scored 573 runs for an average of 40.92.

Rodrigues repaid the management’s faith by scoring 42* in a tri-series match against the West Indies on a difficult East London track in the lead-up to the World Cup, despite a disappointing home series against Australia in December.

“It’s always a good feeling when your entire squad believes in you and knows what you’re capable of,” added Rodrigues, recognising the national team’s batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar’s support throughout.

Even on that night, emotions ran high.

“I recall the 42 against the West Indies, when I was not out and Harry di [Harmanpreet Kaur, captain] was with me. I went back and gave her a hug, telling her that her support meant a great deal to me. And she said, “You are aware that you are a vital member of our team, that you matter to us, and that you will play a critical role.” Therefore, even receiving this type of support always helps, and I am really grateful for it.”