By Trisha Ghosal in Vizag
The sun dipped over Vizag as India’s in-form middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues addressed the media ahead of the South Africa clash. Calm yet upbeat, she spoke about her technical tweaks, India’s batting depth, and why the team isn’t desperate despite chasing that elusive “perfect game.”
India’s Perfect Game Still to Come
Jemimah was candid about India’s progress in the tournament. “It’s scary for the opponents to know that we haven’t had our perfect match yet but are still on a winning streak,” she smiled. “Each game, someone new has stepped up, Aman, Deepti, Richa. Everyone is a match winner. We’re not desperate for that perfect game; we’re confident it will come when it’s meant to.”
For India, unbeaten so far, that balance between patience and momentum has been key. “We’re just taking one game at a time,” she said. “It’s not about who the opposition is, Australia or England, it’s about executing our plans well.”
On Technical Changes and Batting Rhythm
Explaining the tweaks in her stance, Jemimah said she worked on reducing unnecessary movement before the ball’s release. “Earlier I was too fidgety, which made me late on the ball,” she admitted. “Now I stay still and react. I also adjust my stance depending on the pitch, slightly wider on lower surfaces, shoulder-width otherwise. That helps me get my head over the ball and meet it better.”
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She also revealed she’s been getting ready earlier in her stance, which has helped her timing and power, particularly in England. “When my head and shoulder lean into the ball, the balance and power come naturally,” she said.
Middle-Order Role and Routine
Having adapted to batting at No. 5, Jemimah emphasised mental preparation. “In T20s or ODIs, you can walk in during the powerplay or the last 10 overs. My focus is on minimising dot balls and being smart,” she said. “I simulate pressure situations in nets so the match feels easier.”
Her trademark pre-shot routine, often joked about by teammates, also has a purpose. “My grip used to keep changing. Now I align the centre of my palm with the centre of the bat, it keeps me consistent,” she laughed.
Batting Depth and Dot-Ball Discussions
Asked about India’s 173 dot balls in the last game, Jemimah put it in context. “Both pitches were challenging, the Colombo wicket was under covers for two days, so the ball was gripping. But yes, we’ve discussed strike rotation and are working on it,” she confirmed.
With a smile, she summed up the team’s mindset: “We have batting till the end. We’re confident, and the best of India is yet to come.”
