Nobody knows her game like Jemimah Rodrigues does. The 21-year-old is aware that she is not a power hitter and does not strive to imitate players like Smriti Mandhana , Shafali Verma, or Harmanpreet Kaur. She still makes a positive contribution to the team’s performance despite this.
Rodrigues, who operates differently than some of the other big-hitters, was crucial to India’s crushing 100-run victory over Barbados with an incredibly significant knock of 56 off 46 balls. Her efforts have helped the Women in Blue advance to the semifinals of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games women’s T20 cricket competition.
“I have definitely improved my power play, but more importantly, I have gained a greater understanding of my game. I’m a placer, not a power hitter. I have good singles and doubles hitting ability and am a skilled fielder. That, I believe, is my forte. Even though my game isn’t particularly showy, I still manage to have a high strike rate. I came to the realization that in order to succeed, I must be Jemimah Rodrigues and not someone else.” What has aided me is this, “Right-hander remarked following the game.
You don’t have to be a Harmanpreet Kaur or a Smriti Mandhana; you have to be a Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti told me back in the I.P.L. (Women’s T20 Challenge) in 2019. I believe I comprehend that role, and it is beneficial to me. It doesn’t matter how other people perceive it if I can fulfill the role that the team has assigned to me. We have Shafali, Smriti, and Harman, so if the dynamics work out for our squad, I just want to perform the greatest part I can for the Group. She also emphasized their working relationship and Ramesh Power’s involvement in elevating her to number three, which she says is the best spot for her to thrive.” “Ramesh sir had advised me to be ready for No. 3 following the last game.
Sincerity is told. I was prepared for both when I was preparing. Because you never know where the squad might need you, even when I was practicing in the nets with our side-arm specialist, I was prepared for both scenarios. However, I would have to say that No. 3 is my favorite. I’m happy that I was able to participate and make a contribution to the team’s success and the plan.”
The cricket player, who was born in Mumbai, continued by saying that the opportunities she had playing for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred last year had been crucial in helping her adapt to the English game and gave her the confidence she needed to perform well at the C.W.G. in Birmingham. She never looked back after smashing 249 runs in seven innings at a 150.90 strike rate.
“The opportunity to play in English conditions, which I wouldn’t have otherwise had, was the Hundred’s best feature. Taking on the finest bowlers in the world is not the only thing. When you go out there, and score runs in any game, even a domestic game, I believe you get confidence. The same thing happened to me.”
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