Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

On This Day (Sep 5): Happy B’day, Jemimah Rodrigues: Lesser-Known Anecdotes of the 24-Year-Old Batting Star

Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues, the vibrant talent from Mumbai, turns 24 today. Her remarkable journey has emerged as one of India's most promising batters. Since her 2018 debut, she's become a key figure in the middle order, showcasing grace with every shot. With 30 ODIs and 100 T20Is under her belt, Jemimah has notched up 16 half-centuries.

However, not just her elegant batting captivates fans; her lively personality and knack for entertaining have earned her a dedicated following. She's not just a cricketer; she's a star with a contagious zest for life. As we celebrate Jemimah's birthday, let's uncover some lesser-known facts about the all-rounder.

Choosing cricket over classrooms

Jemimah's dedication to cricket was evident from an early age. She even skipped her 12th-grade board exams to pursue her dream. In February 2018, she was called up for India's tour of South Africa.

Her T20I debut in Potchefstroom was impressive; she scored 37 off 27 balls, including four boundaries and one six. Just a month later, she debuted in one-day internationals against Australia, though luck wasn't on her side, as she only managed a single run. Despite the modest start, Jemimah's talent has since blossomed, marking her as one of India's brightest young stars.

From Bhandup to the big league

The star all-rounder represents Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL). In 2023, she was picked up for a hefty Rs 2.2 crore, reflecting her talent. With over 350 runs in 18 matches and a strike rate of 143.82, she's lived up to expectations. But her journey started long ago. Jemimah and her brothers, Enoch and Eli, grew up in Bhandup, where their passion for cricket began early.

She received her first bat at three years old, sparking a lifelong love for cricket. She soon began joining her brothers at an all-boys academy. The family's move from Bhandup to Bandra, 25 kilometres away, was a calculated step to provide better training opportunities.

Although relocating was only the beginning, Jemimah's real test was her relentless dedication. She followed a strict regimen, hitting the gym at 8 a.m. daily, even in the off-season, followed by intense practice sessions. During a short New Year break in 2020, she still trained with her father and mentor, constantly refining her game.

A dual passion

Jemimah wasn't just a cricketer in her childhood; she also deeply loved hockey. Like many kids in Bandra, she picked up the sport early, but her journey was unique. Her prowess wasn't limited to cricket; she also represented Maharashtra in U-17 and U-19 hockey. Her father, Ivan, who trained her in cricket, was also her junior coach at school.

Jemimah was in the third grade when she hit the hockey field, sporting a short haircut and a stick gifted by her church pastor. Former India coach Joachim Carvalho noticed her talent instantly. Seeing her skill, Carvallo predicted she'd play for India, though he had the wrong sport. Jemimah's dad remains her hero in both cricket and life. She also dabbled in football and basketball during her school days.

Historic double century

At just 13, she was selected for the U-19 state cricket team. She made history by becoming only the second woman, after SmritiMandhana, to score a double century in a domestic one-day match, smashing 202 off 163 balls against Saurashtra. Her performances earned her the prestigious Jagmohan Dalmiya Award for best junior women's player in 2018, presented to her by none other than the legendary MS Dhoni.