Emotional Rodrigues opens up on conquering mental struggles after starring in India’s historic triumph: ‘Almost cried every day…’

Jemimah Rodrigues could barely keep her emotions in check after masterminding one of the greatest victories in the history of Indian cricket. Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127 and forged a game-changing partnership worth 167 with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89) as the Women in Blue chased down an improbable 339-run target set by defending champions Australia in Navi Mumbai.

India thus entered the final of the ICC Women's World Cup for only the third time after ending Australia’s 16-match unbeaten run in the elite tournament that began three years ago in New Zealand. And that might not have been possible without the reassuring presence of Rodrigues took charge of the chase after Harmanpreet’s dismissal and ensured she finished the job along with the middle order.

One step closer to history 🏆

India pull off a chase for the ages and storm into the #CWC25 Final 🤩#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/dXRWbvBvG2

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 30, 2025

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Speaking to broadcasters Star Sports after the blockbuster semi-final showdown in front of a packed DY Patil Stadium, hometown hero Rodrigues reflected on the emotional roller-coaster that she went through in recent months. She also opened up on how she had no idea she would be batting at No 3 for a second consecutive match, and that the news was broken to her while she was taking a shower.

“I want to thank Jesus, could not do this on my own. I want to thank my mom, dad and coach and every single person who believed in me. It was really hard this last month, it feels like a dream and it still has not sunk in. (On batting at one-down) Did not know I was batting at three. Was taking a shower, just told them to let me know. Five minutes before entering in, I was told I was batting at three,” ‘Jemi’ revealed after accepting the Player of the Match award for her magnificent century.

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‘Today was not about my fifty or my hundred’

Rodrigues also revealed how the personal milestone of a century did not matter to her as much as getting her team over the line did. That attitude was evident in the manner in which the 25-year-old barely celebrated after completing her century – her third in ODIs and her first in a World Cup.

And during her candid conversation with the official broadcasters, the Delhi Capitals star also opened up on the heartbreak of being left out of the squad for the previous edition of the World Cup, and how she had cried every day in the ongoing tournament.

“Not about me, wanted to win this match for India, and wanted to take this through. Today was not about my fifty or my hundred, about making India win. Everything that happened so far, was a setup for this. Last year, I was dropped from this World Cup. I was in good form. But things kept happening back-to-back, and could not control anything. I have almost cried every day through this tour. Not doing well mentally, going through anxiety. I knew I had to show up, and God took care of everything. Initially, I was just playing and I keep talking to myself.

“Towards the end, I was just quoting a scripture from the Bible - to just stand still and that God will fight for me. I just stood there and he fought for me. A lot inside me was left, but was trying to stay calm. Seeing India win by five wickets, I could not stop myself,” Rodrigues added.

‘Very proud’ Harman heaps praise on ‘Jemi’

It wasn’t just Rodrigues crying tears of joy after all-rounder Amanjot Kaur sealed India’s epic triumph with a couple of boundaries in three deliveries from left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux. There were emotional celebrations in the Indian dugout as well with skipper Harmanpreet – who has had her heart broken by the Aussies multiple times in the past – struggling to contain her emotions as well.

𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙊𝙛 𝙅𝙤𝙮 💙

Absolute scenes from Navi Mumbai 🇮🇳#TeamIndia | #WomenInBlue | #CWC25 | #INDvAUS | @JemiRodrigues | @mandhana_smriti | @ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/Mw6DahFmz2

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 30, 2025

“Very proud. I don’t have words how to express myself. Feeling great, this time we have crossed that line which we have been working towards for so many years,” Harmanpreet said after the match.

The India skipper focused her praise on Rodrigues, whom she described as someone who is “very calculative” and always willing to shoulder responsibility.

“She (Rodrigues) is someone who always wants to do well for the team. Always very calculative and wants to take responsibility. We always have that trust on her. Both of us had a good time on the pitch. Whenever we were batting, we were complementing each other and calculating.

“Really enjoy batting with her. She is always telling me we got five runs, seven runs, two balls are left. That shows how involved she is. Amazed to see how she was thinking. Lots of credit to her, to hold her nerve and keep batting for the team,” she added.

After their heartbreaks in 2005 and 2017 against Australia and England respectively, Team India will be hoping to conquer the final hurdle for once when they face first-time World Cup finalists South Africa at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. Both the Women in Blue as well as the Proteas will be eyeing their maiden ICC title when they lock horns less than 72 hours from now.