Cricket

India's star batter Jemimah Rodrigues has acknowledged the team's subpar performance at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. India's campaign ended in the group stage, with a tough loss to New Zealand, followed by victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, a nine-run defeat to Australia and Pakistan's subsequent loss to New Zealand dashed India's hopes of advancing.Rodrigues expressed disappointment with the team's performance, stating that they "didn't play the best cricket that we should have played as an Indian team." She emphasized that each player is aware of their shortcomings and is determined to improve.With the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year in India, Rodrigues expressed confidence that the hosts will learn from their mistakes and prepare well for the 50-over tournament. She stressed the importance of individual accountability and teamwork in achieving success.Rodrigues also highlighted the benefits of playing in global leagues like the WPL, WBBL, CPL, and The Hundred for Indian cricketers. She believes that these leagues provide opportunities to play against the best in the world and adapt to different conditions."Playing these foreign leagues and playing in WPL does help because you play against the best in the world in all these leagues. And at the same time, you get to play in different conditions," Rodrigues said.She added, "In India, we play in different conditions. Over here, every ground is too different to the other. I think that is one of the best parts of playing franchise cricket—that you get used to playing in different conditions."Rodrigues' insights underscore the importance of international exposure and the need for Indian cricketers to embrace global opportunities to enhance their skills and prepare for major tournaments.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the Indian batter, is eager to incorporate the "Australian mindset" she has acquired from her WBBL teammates into her game. Rodrigues, who is back in the tournament for her third stint, has played four games for Brisbane Heat so far. She scored a match-winning 61 off 40 balls against Adelaide Strikers, crediting the turnaround to her Heat teammates' encouragement to play "positively."Rodrigues believes that the positive mindset instilled in her by her Australian teammates has been instrumental in her recent success. She credits Grace Harris and Laura Harris for their support and encouragement, which helped her overcome doubts and play with confidence."I think the last two innings of mine [in the WBBL] didn't go that well," Rodrigues said. "Grace Harris and Laura Harris both of them texted me and said, 'Jemi, your over extra cover drive is the best. Don't stop yourself from playing that. Even if you get out, it's fine. But just keep dominating'. So I think that really helped me in [the Strikers] knock just to have that kind of backing firstly from your team that the team still believes in you and at the same time, just they're like, 'No, we're still going to take the positive route. We're still going to play positive cricket and bat with intent'."Rodrigues believes that facing international bowlers in leagues around the world is beneficial for her confidence, especially with the ODI World Cup scheduled in less than a year. She emphasizes the importance of playing in different conditions and against top bowlers to prepare for the World Cup."Playing these foreign leagues and playing the WPL, it does help because you play against the best in the world in all these leagues and at the same time you get to play in different conditions," she said. "Every ground is so different to the other and I think that is one of the best parts of playing franchise cricket that you get used to the conditions and you get to play the top bowlers in women 's cricket."Rodrigues believes that playing in the WBBL will be good preparation for the ODIs against Australia in December, despite the format being different. She emphasizes the importance of assessing conditions and adapting her mindset to the longer format."For me, nothing much changes in my technique," Rodrigues said. "Nothing much will even change in my mindset. I think I will still back myself to play positive cricket, but at the same time being more sensible because it's a longer format and trying to extend this innings even longer, scoring more and more runs for India. So I think that's the similar mindset. Again, it's about how I assess the conditions and assess the situation."Rodrigues also welcomed the ICC's initiative to eliminate social media abuse in the women's game. She believes that the move will allow players to focus on playing cricket without dealing with harsh comments."I think that was a very good initiative by the ICC. I remember when I had gone in that line because sometimes social media can be harsh. At the end we all are humans, we all are we here doing our best, trying to do whatever we can. Some ways we are great. Some ways we are not. So it's just harsh when we see people just commenting all sorts of things on social media. But it was such a nice thing from ICC just to protect us and just to keep the game so pure. We [needed to] just go out there and play cricket and enjoy cricket than dealing with all these things. So it was, it was really nice from ICC."

Khar Gymkhana Revokes Jemimah Rodrigues' Membership Amidst Prayer Meeting ControversyIn a recent development, Khar Gymkhana has revoked the membership of Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues following allegations of inappropriate activities linked to prayer meetings held at the club. The decision was made during the club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) after several members raised concerns about the misuse of membership privileges by Jemimah's father, Ivan Rodrigues.Ivan Rodrigues, in a statement, clarified that the prayer meetings were conducted in accordance with the procedures of Khar Gymkhana and were not related to conversions, as certain reports suggested. He emphasized that the gatherings were open to all and that they respected the club's stance when asked to discontinue the meetings.However, the club's decision to revoke Jemimah's membership has sparked controversy. Ivan Rodrigues expressed dismay over the misleading information circulating in the media and reiterated his family's commitment to respecting the rules and practices of Khar Gymkhana.The allegations against Ivan Rodrigues stem from complaints by members who claimed that he had used the club's facilities for religious gatherings without proper authorization. The club's management investigated the matter and found that the prayer meetings had indeed been held without the necessary permissions.The revocation of Jemimah's membership has raised questions about the club's policies and the role of religion in public spaces. Some members have expressed support for the club's decision, arguing that it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the club's rules and regulations. Others have criticized the decision, claiming that it is discriminatory and infringes on the freedom of religion.The controversy has also brought attention to the issue of religious gatherings in public spaces. While many people believe that religious activities should be allowed in public places, others argue that they should be confined to designated religious institutions. The Khar Gymkhana incident has sparked a debate about the balance between religious freedom and the rights of others.

Khar Gymkhana Revokes Jemimah Rodrigues' Membership Over Misuse of PrivilegesKhar Gymkhana, a prestigious sports club in Mumbai, has unanimously revoked the membership of Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues. The decision was made during the club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) following complaints from members regarding the misuse of membership privileges by her father, Ivan Rodrigues.According to Shiv Malhotra, a member of the managing committee, Ivan Rodrigues had been booking the Presidential Hall at concessional rates using Jemimah's membership. These bookings were allegedly for organizing religious activities, which is a violation of Article 4 of the Gymkhana's by-laws. Malhotra and other members noticed these activities and, upon investigation, discovered that around 35 such events had taken place over the past year and a half."As far as her membership is concerned, absolutely she (Jemimah) is the pride of the country. We wish her well and wish she brings more accolades to the country. There is no issue about that," said Malhotra. "However, the membership was given to her...The privilege was misused by her father using her membership and booking the presidential hall. The booking was for 1.5 years, our members were not getting the space...To misuse that privilege is an issue..."Madhvi Ashar, Vice President of Khar Gymkhana, added, "When the motion came up for hearing and when it was explained to the members, our President was charing the meeting the house was really upset to hear all this. Spontaneously it happened that her membership should be cancelled..."The Gymkhana's decision underscores the importance of adhering to the institution's by-laws and maintaining fairness in the usage of its facilities. While Jemimah's contributions to Indian cricket are celebrated, the Gymkhana deemed it necessary to take action against the misuse of membership benefits.Rodrigues has played so far three Tests, thirty ODIs, and 104 T20Is for India, and accumulated 3087 runs and six wickets.

India's disappointing exit from the Women's T20 World Cup has sparked calls for a change in leadership, with former captain Mithali Raj advocating for a younger skipper. Raj believes that the time is ripe for a transition, as India has failed to progress under Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy.Raj suggests that Jemimah Rodrigues, who has impressed with her energy and leadership qualities, would be a suitable replacement. She highlights Rodrigues' ability to build momentum and connect with her teammates.Raj attributes India's poor performance to their inability to adapt quickly to the slow wickets in South Africa. She contrasts this with the adaptability shown by New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, who scored a crucial half-century against India.Beyond the captaincy issue, Raj expresses concern about the team's lack of growth in recent years. She believes that India has become complacent in beating lower-ranked teams and has failed to challenge themselves against top sides like Australia.Raj also questions the team management's tactics, particularly their decision not to give opportunities to fringe players in the lead-up to the World Cup. She argues that this lack of depth has hindered India's ability to compete at the highest level.Furthermore, Raj criticizes the fitness levels of some players, which she believes contributed to dropped catches. She emphasizes the need for a consistent fitness benchmark throughout the year, rather than relying on short-term camps.

India's No. 3 batting position in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup has become a topic of discussion, with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stating that the choice will be based on match conditions and situations.Initially, head coach Amol Muzumdar had indicated that captain Harmanpreet Kaur would occupy the crucial spot. However, after Kaur's injury scare, Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia have also been considered for the role.Mandhana emphasized that the conditions in the UAE have been challenging, but the difference between day and night games has not been significant. She noted that teams have struggled to score over 140 runs in the tournament, regardless of the time of day.Regarding India's cautious approach against Pakistan, Mandhana stressed the importance of securing points on the board. She acknowledged the need to balance the desire to improve net run rate with the priority of winning matches.Mandhana also addressed the perception that Asian teams would be more comfortable with the conditions in Dubai and Sharjah. She believes that all teams have faced challenges in adjusting to the pitches and that India's performance in the first match against New Zealand was an isolated incident.She emphasized that India's batting unit needs to be smarter and understand their limitations in these conditions. She expressed confidence that the team can improve their performance and play to their full potential in the remaining matches.

India's middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues has urged her team to move on from their disappointing defeat against New Zealand and focus on the upcoming crucial matches in the Women's T20 World Cup. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side suffered a heavy 58-run loss to the Kiwis on Friday, leaving them in a precarious position in Group A.Rodrigues addressed the controversial run-out episode involving Amelia Kerr, stating that the team felt aggrieved but respected the umpire's decision. She explained that Kerr's departure from the crease indicated that the over had not been called dead, but the umpire's ruling ultimately prevailed.Despite the setback, Rodrigues praised the team's maturity in handling the situation. She emphasized the importance of Amelia Kerr's wicket and acknowledged that the team had to accept the decision and move forward.Rodrigues urged her teammates to avoid panic and instead focus on the process that has brought them success in the past. She stressed the need to take one game at a time and play to their strengths.The 24-year-old from Mumbai admitted that New Zealand came out with a strong intent, but India failed to respond adequately. She highlighted the need for a better approach in future matches, recognizing that the tournament is far from over.Rodrigues also discussed her role at number four in the batting order, stating that it did not present any significant challenges. However, she expressed regret for not staying at the crease long enough to build a partnership.

India's quest for their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title is fueled by the recent triumph of the men's team, who ended a long trophy drought by winning the Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year. The Indian women's team is eager to replicate that success and make history by becoming the first nation to win both the men's and women's T20 World Cups in the same year.Batter Jemimah Rodrigues expressed the team's renewed determination after witnessing the men's team's victory. "Seeing them win just before our World Cup made it feel so much more real," she said. "That desire and passion to win was ignited when we saw Rohit Sharma and the team lifting the trophy."Captain Harmanpreet Kaur echoed Rodrigues' sentiments, stating that a victory would be a special moment for Indian fans and cricket history. "It would be very special," she said. "If we win, it will create a similar moment for Indian fans and for cricket history back home."India's path to the title begins with their opening match against New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai. They will then face Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia in their Group A games. Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur believes that the men's team's victory has given them hope and inspiration. "When the boys won, it gave us hope that we could replicate it," she said.Opener Shafali Verma added that a victory would be a joyous occasion for the nation. "Yes, the men's team winning the World Cup was an emotional moment for the entire country," she said. "If we win too, then it will be two World Cups in a year, which is a big thing for both us and the nation."Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. "Winning two trophies in a year would be a different achievement, but winning the World Cup itself will be very special," she said. "It's important for us to follow the process and take it one match at a time."

Jemimah Rodrigues, a key member of the Indian women's cricket team, believes that adaptability and a team-first mentality will be crucial for India's success at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. India, who finished runners-up in the 2020 edition, will begin their campaign against New Zealand on October 4.Rodrigues, who scored a half-century in India's first warm-up match against West Indies, emphasized the importance of assessing conditions and playing to the situation. "I just want to keep it simple and do whatever it takes to help the team win," she said. "When I put things in that perspective, it gets the best out of me and motivates me."The 24-year-old also highlighted the need to play to the situation, regardless of the bowler. "It's not about specific bowlers but about playing to the situation," she said. "Bowlers can have off days, and as a batter, I need to assess which bowler to attack and when to hold back."Rodrigues praised the team's blend of youth and experience, with players like Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma having already played in World Cups. "This team is special," she said. "There's something in this team, a fire to win, and at the same time, an energy and bond that's very special."Speaking about New Zealand legend Sophie Devine, Rodrigues said, "I've always admired her game. We've prepared well to bowl against her, and now it's just about executing our plans."India will also face Australia in the group stage, and Rodrigues believes execution will be key against the former champions. "We've prepared well and put in the work," she said. "Now it's time to execute our plans."Rodrigues also praised senior teammates Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. "Smriti is young, but she understands the game and her role so well," she said. "Harman di is a big-match player. We want to win it for India and for her."