Jemimah Rodrigues is undoubtedly one of the brightest prospects in women’s cricket. At 20, she has already established herself in the Indian women’s team and her infectious positive attitude is endearing not only in the dressing room but also for her followers on social media. In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, India’s top order batswoman spoke about her journey so far, the difficult decision between choosing hockey or cricket, spirituality, leadership and the responsibility that comes with being a role model.

When did you start playing cricket? How important of a role did your father play in those early years of development?

I started playing cricket at a very young age, I think for me as a girl I was never interested in Barbie dolls. I remember my first bat was gifted to me by my grandfather, it was a plastic bat when I was three years old. I professionally started going for practices with my brothers at the age of 4. So cricket started at a very young age for me and my parents have played the most important role. I remember when my relatives used to come home, they used to say “have you lost it, why are you making a girl play cricket” but my parents said that she loves playing, how does it matter whether she’s a girl or a boy. So that’s how cricket started and my dad’s still my coach from the time I started till now. If it was not for him and his perseverance, the dedication and hard work he put in, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was his dream to see me play for India and today whenever I stand out there I can see the pride and joy in his eyes, there is nothing bigger than that for me.

You were also selected for the Maharashtra U-17 and U-19 hockey teams. Was it difficult to choose between hockey and cricket and what are the factors that influenced your decision?

It was a very tough decision for me because I started playing cricket at the age of 4 but I started playing hockey at the age of 8. Before I was selected for cricket, I was selected for the Maharashtra Under 17 hockey team and then later on Mumbai became a standalone team so I started playing for Mumbai Under 19. My parents actually thought that I was going to make a career in hockey and this was my dream. At the same time I started doing well in cricket and both the sports started clashing. It was getting difficult to manage both with so many tournaments throughout the year. Eventually my dad asked me to make a tough decision, in choosing one of the sports and said that he will stand by me in whatever I choose. I cried a little that day because I loved both the sports but since I had reached a higher level in cricket than hockey we went ahead with cricket.

How do you prepare yourself mentally before a match? Do you have a pre-match routine that you follow?

I do have certain routines but my preparation doesn’t start from the morning of the match, it starts from the day before. The preparations begin from my net session. I am  someone who is spiritual so I love spending some quiet time and praying in the morning because it helps me be in the right frame of mind. Apart from that I don’t have any other particular routine.

You were the captain of the Mumbai state team at the age of 17, do you see yourself as a future captain of the Indian women’s cricket team?

Honestly, I enjoy the responsibility of leadership and playing under pressure. That’s when I realize I’m even better because I love taking responsibility. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I hope that one day I will lead India to victory and win the World Cup. I’ve been leading my state team and it’s fun. You get to learn so much as a leader and that’s the thing I like about captaincy, it always keeps me thinking. When I’m the captain, I’m constantly under the pressure of what will the batter do next, what field should I set for the bowler, what should I do next and it has helped me develop my game.

How do you feel about being an inspiration to millions of girls who want to be cricketers one day?

It’s obviously a very good feeling, when you’re doing something you love and you’re able to inspire many more people to take up the sport. At the same time there is a bigger responsibility because I know that I just can’t go out there and do whatever I want. I know there are young girls and boys looking up to me so I need to set the right example and I need to do the right thing consistently and do it well. So in a way it’s a motivation for me that everytime I go out, there are other people watching me who want to take up sports, so I want to be the right example for all of them.

Who have been the most influential people in your journey so far? What role have they played in making you who you are today?

I strongly believe in what my parents have always told me, that no matter what level I reach, I cannot get there on my own. Firstly it’s because of God, because of Jesus that he has given me the talent and the grace to do what I’m able to do. Secondly, it’s the people that God has used in my life to get me to where I am. I can’t name who all have been there because there have been so many people at the right time whom God has used to help me get better. Whatever I am today is not because of me, it’s not my own work. There are so many people involved, coaches, trainers, physios, my friends, colleagues, my brothers and obviously my parents. They have all played an equal and important part to get me where I am today. It helps me realize that it’s important to stay humble. There are times when I want to take the glory or want to be proud of what I have achieved, but what helps me personally stay humble is realizing that I didn’t reach here on my own. 

You’re only 20 years old and have achieved a lot in a short span of time. Does the expectation that people have from you weigh you down or drive you to become even better?

It’s a balance of both, I would be lying if I said these expectations never weigh me down. I am a young cricketer, I’m also learning and there have been phases in life where it has been a driving force, but sometimes it is a pressure to go out and do well. I’m learning how to handle these expectations and not take it as a burden but enjoy it. I had spoken to Smriti about this, and she said that expectations only exist for people who have it in them, since you have it in you people will expect and it’s a really good perspective to have. However, it’s easier said than done that we need to enjoy these expectations and pressure and to channelize them to get better.

What are the things you like to do apart from cricket? How did you spend your time when cricket came to a halt during the pandemic?

Cricket is a part of my life but I’m also into many more things like music and during the lockdown I have spent a lot of time with my family. I’m always up to something, I’m someone who cannot sit quietly at home, always having fun, doing some videos and trying to be more creative. I also helped my brothers cook, though I know I’m not good at cooking so the best thing I could do was cut the vegetables. Hanging out with my brothers made me realize that I have not spent quality time with them in so many years. There was also Netflix and all these things going on.

How has the postponement of the Women’s World Cup to 2022 affected the preparations leading up to the tournament?

I think the postponement is a blessing in disguise because we haven’t played much cricket. I think after the World Cup which was in March, we haven’t played cricket till now. The World Cup is a big tournament and you want to be at your best. You want the team to have momentum and that only happens when you play matches and you practice together as a team. We haven’t been playing many matches but now there is a series coming up and hopefully when that happens our team, the Indian team gets back in the groove, playing and winning matches for the country. 

The next 50 over women’s World Cup would probably be the last for veterans such as Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. How important is it to you if the team can win the trophy as a tribute to them?

I think Mithudi (Mithali Raj) and Jhulandi (Jhulan Goswami) have been the face of women’s cricket in India. Even when women’s cricket was not as popular, people knew Mithudi and Jhulandi as legends of the game. Not just for them, but the trophy should be won for every single person in India who has played women’s cricket. Especially for people who played cricket for the country when nobody recognized them and were not given the credit they deserved. We’ll be playing for them and for all the young girls looking up to us and wanting to take up this sport. It’ll be for all of them.

Is there a message you would like to share for all those who look up to you as an example of achieving your dreams?

Firstly it’s very important to have a dream, because when you have a dream there is a purpose behind your practice, your training, your diet and everything you do. The second thing I would say is that just do whatever it takes to achieve that dream. Sometimes you have to sacrifice, go the extra mile, there will be times where you’re trying your best but things are not working out, don’t give up because you’ve come too far. Just keep pushing, keep working hard and one day you’ll be wearing the India blues, singing the national anthem, playing for your country and making everyone proud. Most importantly, enjoy what you do and remember that’s why you started playing cricket.