Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has opened up about her struggles with anxiety during the Women’s World Cup. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and determination. Despite facing a tough phase in her career, the 25-year-old all-rounder turned her pain into motivation, guiding India into the tournament final with a stunning century.
Rodrigues had missed the 2022 edition of the World Cup due to poor form. That setback, however, became the turning point in her career. She worked tirelessly to regain her spot in the national team. Her patience paid off when she scored an unbeaten 127 runs in the semi-final against Australia, leading India to a record chase of 339 runs.
Battling Anxiety Amid World Cup Pressure
The cricketer admitted that competing in a home World Cup brought immense pressure. Her performance early in the tournament was inconsistent, with two ducks and a couple of 30s. Following these struggles, she was dropped for the match against England.
Rodrigues revealed that the mental strain was overwhelming. “I was going through a lot of anxiety,” she said. “When you experience anxiety, you feel numb. You don’t know what to do. You just try to be yourself.”
She added that emotional support from her parents helped her get through the darkest moments. “My mum and dad supported me a lot. I am so blessed to have friends I can call family,” Rodrigues shared. “It’s okay to ask for help.”
Learning to Trust the Process
After being dropped, Rodrigues began to doubt herself. She admitted that it was difficult to stay confident while sitting out. “When you are dropped, you have a lot of doubts because I always want to contribute to the team,” she said. “But sometimes all you need to do is hang in there. Things eventually fall into place.”
Her determination started to pay off when she scored an unbeaten 76 against New Zealand, restoring her confidence and setting the tone for her memorable semi-final innings.
Playing for the Team, Not for Records
Rodrigues emphasized that her mindset had shifted before the semi-final clash. “I didn’t play for my 100 or to prove a point,” she said. “I just wanted India to win. That was my only motivation.”
Her match-winning performance against seven-time champions Australia demonstrated not just skill but mental strength. It reflected how perseverance and belief can turn setbacks into defining moments.
Eyes on the World Cup Final
With her form peaking at the right time, Rodrigues will play a key role in India’s upcoming World Cup final against South Africa. Both nations are chasing their first-ever Women’s World Cup title.
Rodrigues’ story serves as a reminder that success often follows struggle. Her openness about mental health also highlights an important message — asking for help and showing vulnerability can lead to strength, not weakness.
