Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues opened up on her and team India’s preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Indian cricketer said that she wants to do whatever possible to ensure India’s win in the marquee tournament. Rodrigues appeared on StarSports, where he talked about how the Indian women have prepared themselves in pursuit of what can be their first-ever title. Notably, the 2024 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to begin on October 3, Thursday, with Bangladesh Women locking horns with Scotland Women.
India, under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur, will open their campaign by clashing against New Zelaland in an exciting contest on October 4 at the Dubai International Stadium. Ahead of the big game, the Indian cricketer opened up on her and team’s preparation for the tournament. Not only this, but she also said that as an Indian cricketer, she wants to do every possible thing to make sure that India win the tournament.
I want to do whatever it takes to help the team win: Jemimah Rodrigues
The 24-year-old batter said that as a cricketer and as a team, the entire team wants India’s victory in the global tournament. Discussing her role with Star Sports, Rodrigues said, “For me, it’s all about assessing the conditions and playing the situation. I just want to keep it simple and do whatever it takes to help the team win and whatever the team needs. When I put things in that perspective, it gets the best out of me and motivates me. ”
She added, “For me, whenever it comes to the team, I go and give my life out there. That gets me more passionate, energetic, and enthusiastic. I want Team India to win. We, as a unit, want Team India to win. For me, it’s all about keeping it in that perspective.”
There’s no better feeling than hitting the winning runs: Jemimah Rodrigues on her 53-run knock vs Pakistan
The youngster also recalled her match-winning 53-run knock off 38 deliveries in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. She said, “First and foremost, India won. There’s no better feeling than hitting the winning runs and taking your team over the line. My parents were watching the match live in the stadium, and lifting my bat to them was an unforgettable moment. Before that innings, I was low on confidence.”
She added, ” As a batter, runs are everything, and I hadn’t been scoring in domestic cricket, WBBL, or the series against Australia. I was nervous, especially since it was an India-Pakistan game in a World Cup, but once the game started, my focus shifted to how I could contribute rather than worrying about past performances. Smriti wasn’t playing that match due to injury, and I knew I had to step up. Richa and I had a partnership, and as long as we were there, we knew we could win. When I hit the winning runs, it was a release of all the emotions I’d been holding in.”
(With inputs from press release)