PTC Web Desk: Once mocked for her reels and smile, Jemimah Rodrigues answered critics with her bat , a match-winning 127* that carried India to the Women’s World Cup final and gave hope to millions.
A few years ago, Jemimah Rodrigues was trolled online for focusing “too much” on her social media instead of her game. The line: “Run banana, wo kya hota hai? Mera cringe reel dekh aur gaana sun” became a taunt aimed at her fun-loving personality. But after Thursday night’s World Cup semifinal, those same words now shine with pride and poetic justice.
Under the bright lights of the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah answered her critics in the most powerful way , with her bat. Her unbeaten 127 runs led India to chase down 339, the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history, and defeat seven-time world champions Australia.
It was a night of joy, emotion, and redemption. Every shot Jemimah played seemed to carry a message — that a woman can smile, sing, make reels, and still conquer the biggest stage in world cricket.
Back in 2017, a 16-year-old Jemimah was just another young fan waiting at Mumbai airport to welcome back the Indian women’s team after their heartbreaking loss in the World Cup final. That day, she watched her idols , Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami and a rising Harmanpreet Kaur, walk by with heavy hearts.
Who could have imagined that years later, Jemimah would be the one leading India to another final, standing tall against Australia’s mighty bowling attack?
Her journey since then hasn’t been easy. There were struggles, self-doubt, and even online hate. She was often called a “social-media cricketer,” as if her laughter and joy made her less serious about the game. But on Thursday, all that noise faded away. Jemimah Rodrigues, once trolled for smiling too much, became the face of India’s fightback.
The 2025 World Cup didn’t start well for Jemimah. She faced low scores, including ducks against Sri Lanka and South Africa, and even lost her place in the playing XI. For many, that might have been the end of the road. But Jemimah chose to fight back.
When she was moved up the order to bat at No. 3, something changed. A gritty half-century against New Zealand marked her return, not just to form, but to belief. From then on, she played with quiet confidence and purpose.
Her 127 against Australia* wasn’t just about runs; it was about rising again. Every boundary told a story of resilience, every glance through cover spoke of faith. She didn’t just help India win a match; she reminded every young girl that strength can come wrapped in a smile.
When the final run was scored, Jemimah couldn’t hold back her tears. The girl once labelled as “too happy to be serious” cried openly, her emotions spilling out after months of inner struggle.
She first hugged Amanjot Kaur, who hit the winning runs, and then ran straight to her parents in the stands. That moment wasn’t about records or glory; it was about relief, gratitude, and faith.
“I’ve cried almost every day on this tour,” Jemimah admitted later. “I’ve struggled with anxiety, but I knew I had to show up. Towards the end, I kept repeating a verse from the Bible — ‘Stand still and God will fight for you.’ I just stood there, and He did.”
2025: The Year of Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah’s ODI career began in 2018, but it has taken seven long years for her to reach this peak. Being dropped from the 2022 World Cup was a painful setback, but she used it as fuel to come back stronger.
Now, in 2025, she has scored three centuries, all in one year, and each more impactful than the last. Her knock against Australia showed not just skill, but maturity. No over-the-top celebrations, no grand gestures, just focus and calm determination.
