Jemimah says hard work, support system helped her out of uncertain phase
There was a phase during Jemimah Rodrigues' innings against Pakistan where she struggled with her timing but kept the scoreboard ticking with her athletic running between the wickets.
The fight to find the ropes was a reflection of what the 22-year-old has endured for over a year now. Back then, runs were down to a trickle, sometimes it even dried up. The Mumbaikar's confidence wavered and she lost out on a place in the squad for the 50-overs World Cup.
On Sunday in Cape Town, during her match-winning innings (53* off 38), it felt like Jemimah was determined to get the monkey off her back. When her winning cover drive off Fatima Sana raced to the boundary to signal India's landmark run chase, Jemimah let out a war cry, leapt in the air and punched her fist. She had steered India to a commanding seven-wicket victory and it felt especially sweet.
During the extended dark phase in her career, hard work and a strong support system were Jemimah's constant companions.
"Many times I had nothing to tell myself. There were so many times I had given up and I didn't have the strength to carry. A lot of people say you need to back and motivate yourself but only you know what you are going through. But I was blessed that I had people who believed in me and helped me push through that time. I am a strong believer in Jesus. I knew if he's brought me so far, he won't let me down here," said Jemimah during the post-match session.
Out of the India team, Jemimah roughed it out at Mumbai's Azad Maidan with U-19 and even U-14 boys to test herself in varied conditions. The efforts are paying off especially in pressure games like the one against Pakistan.
Jemimah admitted to the pressure that comes in playing against Pakistan. "I think India versus Pakistan, there's always a little more added pressure. Growing up, we've always watched these matches. I remember even watching the MCG match where Virat Kohli played such an extraordinary knock. We spoke about it, and just wanted to go out there and play and get the first win on board," she said.
