“Was Crying, Just Wanted Someone To Understand Me”: Jemimah Rodrigues Opens Up About Battling Anxiety During ODI World Cup
Indian cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has revealed new details about her emotional and mental struggles during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, where she played a match-winning role in India’s historic title triumph. While her unbeaten 127 against Australia* in the semifinal has already gone down as one of the greatest innings in India’s women’s cricket history, Rodrigues has now shared how she was quietly battling anxiety behind the scenes throughout the tournament.
Her candid admission has offered fans a deeper look into the pressures faced by elite athletes, even in their moments of greatest success.
A World Cup Hero Playing Through Inner Turmoil
India clinched their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup earlier this month, and Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as one of the standout performers of the global showpiece. Her century in the semifinal was instrumental in India chasing down a daunting 339-run target against seven-time champions Australia.
However, only after the match did Jemimah open up about the intense anxiety she had been dealing with since the very first game of the tournament.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Rodrigues shared how she felt overwhelmed internally, despite performing on the world stage:
“I was dealing with a lot of anxiety, right from the first match. I don’t know, for some reason, I was not able to get rid of it.”
She explained that anxiety is not always something one can easily “think away” or overcome with logic:
“When you talk about anxiety, sometimes you can’t psych it out… It’s easy to say, ‘Why are you scared? Why are you anxious?’ Even I knew the answer was simple, but I still couldn’t fight it out or get rid of it.”
Her words offered a rare glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by players, even as they deliver match-turning performances on the field.
Pressure, Expectations, and the Weight of the World Cup
For Jemimah Rodrigues, the 2025 World Cup was not just another tournament. India had never won the trophy before. The team carried immense expectations from fans, and players understood the magnitude of what was at stake.
Rodrigues’ form leading up to the World Cup had been strong, but once the tournament began, she felt the pressure rising. The intensity of the competition, combined with the responsibility she carried as one of India’s key batters, added to her internal struggle.
Despite all this, Rodrigues continued to perform when it mattered most, culminating in her unforgettable semifinal batting display — a knock that completely changed the direction of the World Cup.
The Turning Point: A Conversation with Her Mother
Rodrigues’ emotional battle reached a peak during India’s early matches. She recounted how she felt stuck — unable to shake off her anxiety, unable to find clarity, and unable to understand why she felt the way she did. She eventually turned to her mother for support.
In a heartfelt revelation, Rodrigues described a moment that helped her breathe again:
“My mom told me one thing at that time… ‘Even if you want to leave the World Cup right now and come home, I’m okay. I will fight with everyone for it. Your happiness matters to me most.’”
This unconditional support broke through the emotional weight she had been carrying.
Rodrigues said:
“I was crying. I told my mom, ‘You saying this means the world to me. I know I’ll be okay now because you’re valuing me for me, not for what I can do.’”
For Rodrigues, this was the moment she felt understood — something she desperately needed while dealing with internal pressure.
“At that moment, I just wanted someone to understand me.”
Her words captured the importance of emotional support for athletes performing at the highest level.
Why Speaking Out Matters: Rodrigues Leads by Example
Following the semifinal, when Rodrigues first revealed that she had been dealing with anxiety during the tournament, fans praised her honesty. Many commended her courage to speak openly about her struggles amid a triumphant campaign.
Her detailed conversation with Cricbuzz shed even more light on the unseen challenges behind India’s historic title run.
For young athletes, aspiring cricketers, and fans, Rodrigues’ willingness to speak reflects the changing landscape of sports — one where emotional well-being is gradually being acknowledged as an integral part of high-performance environments.
Rodrigues’ story also underscores that even the most talented athletes are not immune to inner battles. Her ability to rise above it and perform under pressure makes her achievement even more remarkable.
A Heroic Semifinal: Jemimah’s Knock That Defined a Generation
Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127* in the semifinal against Australia has already been hailed as one of the greatest innings in Indian women’s cricket history. It came under immense pressure:
- A target of 339 runs
- Knockout semifinal
- Against the world’s most successful women’s cricket team
- India’s dream of winning their maiden title hanging in the balance
Rodrigues walked in with India under pressure, but displayed composure and maturity beyond her years. She anchored the chase, paced the innings beautifully, and accelerated at the perfect moment to take India home.
Fans now know that beneath her calm exterior and steely performance, she was fighting an emotional battle that only makes her achievement more inspiring.
Rodrigues Becomes a Central Figure in India’s World Cup Triumph
With her performances, Jemimah Rodrigues has solidified her place as one of India’s most dependable batters in international cricket. Her innings in the semifinal is expected to be remembered for years to come, much like the iconic knocks of previous cricketing eras.
India’s maiden World Cup title has changed the landscape of women’s cricket in the country. Players like Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and others have become household names — not just for their skills, but for their stories of resilience and grit.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Jemimah Rodrigues
Rodrigues’ honesty about her struggles has resonated deeply across social media and sporting communities. Her journey through anxiety during the World Cup has revealed her strength, both emotional and professional.
Moving forward, she will continue to be a key figure in India’s batting lineup as the team builds toward future tournaments. Her story serves as a reminder that athletes are human, and support systems play a vital role in helping them navigate high-pressure moments.
For now, Jemimah’s courage, vulnerability, and brilliance on the field have made her one of the most admired figures in Indian cricket
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