beyond much anticipated Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Pakistan Indian batsman in Birmingham jemima rodrigues has revealed a key behind-the-scenes moment that fueled India’s historic debut Women’s ODI World Cup Win last year. Rodriguez reveals how he got a timely call from the legend Sachin Tendulkar Provided the final psychological reset just before the monumental final against South Africa.
How Sachin Tendulkar’s encouragement affected Jemimah Rodrigues?
Rodrigues’s innings of a lifetime paved the way for India’s ultimate glory. In a high-stakes semi-final clash against the world-dominating Australians in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah played a brilliant, unbeaten 127. This brilliant innings single-handedly demolished the tournament favourites, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world and generating an unprecedented wave of public excitement and media attention.
However, there was a danger of distracting from the emotional gravity of the victory. Reflecting on the aftermath of that career-defining performance, Rodriguez admitted he was overwhelmed by the sudden flood of praise and celebration.
“Sachin sir called my coach Prashant Shetty, he asked him to tell me that he understood that the last few days were a lot for me – the big innings against Australia in the semi-finals, the joy of beating them.“ Rodrigues shared in an interview with JioHotstar.
Understanding the immense pressure on the young batsman, the Master Blaster imparted invaluable wisdom on how to handle the adrenaline after a win.
“He reminded me that the work is not finished yet. We were still yet to win the final. He said, ‘Put that aside and try to start from scratch.’ That message really helped me reset my mind. I understood that what you did first will not win you the next game. You should take every match as a new beginning. Advice from a veteran gave me a lot of clarity before the finals“He added.
Tendulkar’s intervention proved extremely effective. By teaching the youngster to mentally erase his past success and reach the final with a clean slate, the cricket icon ensured that India’s brightest talent remained on the field when it mattered most.
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Shafali Verma’s dynamic double performance in Women’s ODI World Cup win
While Rodrigues started under the guidance of Tendulkar Shafali Verma Who used explosive fireworks in the final South Africa. Verma produced a brilliant all-round performance, scoring a match-winning innings of 87 runs and bowling crucial figures of 2/36, decisively ensuring India’s historic victory.
Like Rodrigues, Verma also drew his inspiration from a deeply personal source. A motivational inspirational talk from his father served as his catalyst on the grand stage.
“We had two days off before the final. my dad sent me a voice note, “Just work hard,” he said. Give your best on the field and it should be in writing that Shafali Verma helped India win the World Cup. That voice note gave me extra fire. I knew I had to perform not just for myself, but for him and the teamVerma recalled.
With the ODI World Cup trophy safe in the cabinet, the reigning world champions are turning the page. The women are currently adapting their final tactical blueprint for the transition to the shortest format of the game. India begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign this Sunday against Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham, renewing their fierce, historic rivalry. Driven by a specific mindset instilled by legendary gurus and strong family support, this fearless Indian team looks set to build a definitive cricket dynasty.
Also read: Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Aakash Chopra picks two players as India’s biggest X-factor
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
