Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues (born 5 September 2000) is an Indian international women’s cricketer who plays as a right-handed middle-order batter for the India women’s national team. Known for her composure, timing, and adaptability across formats, she was a central figure in India’s first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph in 2025.

Jemimah Rodrigues
Full name	Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues
Born	5 September 2000 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality	Indian
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm off-break
Role	Middle-order batter
Teams	India, Maharashtra, Delhi Capitals, Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Northern Superchargers

Early Life and Background

Jemimah Rodrigues was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a Mangalorean Catholic family. Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, is a former junior-level cricket coach, while her mother, Lavita Rodrigues, is a homemaker. She grew up with her two brothers, Enoch and Eli, in a sports-oriented household.

She studied at St. Joseph’s Convent High School in Mumbai, where her father coached her during her formative years. The family later moved to Bandra to give her access to better sporting infrastructure. Alongside cricket, Rodrigues excelled in basketball, football, and hockey, even representing Maharashtra in hockey before committing fully to cricket.

Early Career

Rodrigues joined the Maharashtra under-19 team at the age of 13. She gained national attention in 2017 after scoring 178 against Gujarat and later a double century (202) against Saurashtra in domestic under-19 cricket.

Her junior performances earned her the Jagmohan Dalmiya Award for Best Junior Women’s Cricketer in 2018. She soon emerged as one of India’s most promising young batters, noted for her calm temperament and technical proficiency.

International Career

Jemimah Rodrigues made her international debut for India in 2018. She impressed early in her career with consistent performances in limited-overs cricket and topped the run charts in the 2018 T20I series against Sri Lanka.

She represented India at major tournaments including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, the 2022 Commonwealth Games (silver medal), and the 2022 Asian Games (gold medal). Her Test debut came in December 2023 against England.

In January 2025, she scored her maiden international century against Ireland, marking a significant personal milestone.

2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup

Rodrigues played a defining role in India’s historic 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory. In the semi-final against Australia, she scored an unbeaten 127, guiding India to the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history.

In the final against South Africa, she contributed a composed 73, anchoring the innings as India secured a 52-run victory. Her performances earned her the Player of the Match award in the semi-final and global recognition as one of the tournament’s standout players.

Franchise Cricket

Jemimah Rodrigues has represented multiple teams in global franchise leagues, including Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League, and Brisbane Heat.

In the Women’s Premier League, she plays for Delhi Capitals, having been acquired for ₹2.2 crore in the inaugural auction. She has been one of the franchise’s most consistent performers across seasons.

Challenges and Advocacy

In 2024, Rodrigues faced online harassment stemming from misinformation on social media. She later spoke openly about mental health awareness and the pressures faced by athletes in the digital age, earning praise for her maturity and resilience.

Impact and Outlook

At 25, Jemimah Rodrigues is widely regarded as one of the pillars of India’s next generation of women’s cricket. Her technical skill, mental strength, and global experience place her among the world’s leading middle-order batters.

As India prepares for future international tournaments, Rodrigues remains a key figure in the team’s plans and a role model for aspiring young cricketers across the country.