CWG 2022 | I just have to be myself to score well, claims Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues has made waves in the Indian women's game ever since she burst onto the scene. A prodigy in every sense of the word, the 21-year-old has already represented India in an astounding 77 games, racking up over 1,500 runs and registering 10 half-centuries. Even though a slight slump last year had seen her sit out a few games for the national side, the top-order batswoman is back to her best and leading the Women in Blue to victories. 

Rodrigues is lying about her trade for the Indian team in Birmingham at the Commonwealth Games. In her latest outing against Barbados, she strolled her way to a flamboyant 56 not-out to steer India to a 100-run triumph. Initially an opener for the side, Rodrigues has recently been playing at number three since Shafai Verma has been doing well as an opener alongside Mandhana. However, the batter expressed no issues with the change, saying she was in favour of the decision made by the team. 

"Ramesh sir had told me after the last game to be prepared for No. 3. Honestly, when I was preparing, I was ready for both. Even when I was preparing in the nets, with our side-arm (throwdown) specialist, I was prepared for both, because you never know, the team can need me anywhere and I should be ready for that."

"But definitely, I love No. 3. It's my position. [I'm] glad I got to play there and contribute to the team, contribute to the plan, and it worked out well for the team," Jemimah added.

A crucial feature of Rodrigues' half-century in India's last pool game at the tournament was that her innings were laced by six magnificent boundaries and just one maximum, highlighting her ability to pierce fields. The Mumbaikar stated she was aware of her strengths and was working hard to apply them practically while still trying to improve other aspects of her game.

"Definitely, I've worked on my power game, but more than that, I've understood my game better. I'm not a power-hitter, I'm a placer. I can hit the (gaps for) singles and doubles well; I know how to manoeuvre the field. I think that is my strength," she said.

A big milestone in the young career of the fledgling batter was the inaugural season of the Hundred Women, where Jemimah simply demolished the competition. I seven games, she managed a stunning 249 runs averaging over 40, while striking at 150.90 and finished second in the list of highest run-getters in the tournament.

"The best thing about the 'Hundred' was the opportunity to get to play in English conditions, which I wouldn't have gotten normally," Jemimah said.