New Delhi: Jemimah Rodrigues’ match-winning 127* against Australia — a knock that powered India to a record chase of 339 and a place in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final — was the culmination of a year’s worth of dedication and preparation, revealed her long-time coach, Prashant Shetty.
Jemimah’s heroic innings not only secured India’s berth in Sunday’s final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, but also symbolised a journey marked by resilience, self-belief, and emotional strength. Her tearful celebration — kneeling on the pitch, hands folded in gratitude — reflected a story that went far beyond runs and records.
“It was an incredible moment for the entire country,” Shetty told IANS on the eve of the final. “The pressure was immense. Once she crossed 80, I felt she could convert it into a match-winning century and finish the chase herself. She knew she had to stay till the end — that was key.”
Before joining India’s World Cup campaign, Jemimah underwent intense and varied training under Shetty at Mumbai’s Kkalpavriksha Cricket Clinic. Her sessions included facing plastic balls, taped tennis balls, soaked rubber balls, and deliveries from the bowling machine — all designed to prepare her for every possible challenge.
“We’d been planning for this World Cup for over a year,” Shetty said. “We discussed everything — from pitch conditions to how to handle knockout games. India often reaches that stage, and it’s all about those 2-3 crucial matches. Seeing her perform like that was overwhelming — it was emotional for all of us.”
Her journey to Thursday’s triumph wasn’t smooth. After two consecutive ducks and a poor run of form, Jemimah was dropped for the England match — which India narrowly lost. Recalled for the must-win clash against New Zealand, she returned with an unbeaten 76, setting the stage for her first World Cup hundred in the semifinal against Australia.
In her post-match comments, Jemimah opened up about battling anxiety and crying almost daily during the tournament — a rare moment of vulnerability for a top athlete. “That’s just who Jemi is,” Shetty said. “But it takes tremendous courage to be so open in front of the world. She’s very honest and clear-hearted — and that honesty makes her special.”
For Shetty, what made the innings even more remarkable was Jemimah’s endurance. “She fielded for 50 overs in humid conditions, then came out to bat early and stayed till the 49th over. Mentally and physically, that’s incredibly demanding. Playing nearly 100 overs with full intensity — that’s extraordinary.”
There were also moments of nail-biting tension — notably when Jemimah, on 82, top-edged a slog-sweep that Alyssa Healy dropped. “We didn’t move or talk during the chase,” recalled Shetty, who watched the game alongside Jemimah’s parents, Ivan and Lavita. “When that catch went down, I just prayed she’d finish it off. Nothing else mattered.”
The victory carried special weight: India have rarely beaten Australia in high-pressure chases. Jemimah’s transformation from a promising teenager to a senior match-winner, Shetty said, comes down to two traits — passion and hunger.
“She’s always had the desire to play for India, and she’s constantly trying to evolve. After being dropped from the 2022 World Cup squad, that setback became her turning point. Her work ethic, honesty, and hunger to improve set her apart.”
As India prepare for the final, Shetty’s message to Jemimah remains simple yet powerful: “Play the final the same way. Read the situation, take responsibility, and do your job as a senior batter.”
For India, who have twice reached the ODI World Cup final — in 2005 and 2017 — but never won it, Sunday represents a golden opportunity. For Jemimah, it’s a shot at redemption and legacy.
“I just hope Jemi wins it for India,” Shetty said. “The team has momentum after beating Australia, and if we handle the pressure, anything is possible. A win on Sunday could spark a revolution in women’s cricket — just like 1983 did for the men. Jemi’s innings will be remembered for generations.”
