‘India’s show in T20 World Cup 2020 is vital for women's cricket back home’

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup starting February 21 in Australia, there have been numerous views from experts around on how this mega extravaganza is going to change the face of sport in the country. Similarly, this World Cup means a lot for India too as a good show in the Kangaroo land will definitely set the tone for women’s cricket back home, feels young Jemimah Rodrigues.

“I am really excited for this World Cup but at the same time there is an equal amount of nervousness,” said Rodrigues in the podcast show along with now-retired former South Africa captain JP Duminy. “How India fare in this World Cup is going to set the tone for women’s cricket in India.”

India have never won a World Cup title (ODIs & T20Is) despite the fact coming close twice (2005 & 2017) in the 50-over event. The Women in Blue could have had their first star on their chest three years ago at Lord’s but surrendered the title at the hands of hosts England in the final by nine runs to keep the fans back home waiting. And that final finish actually transformed the way the sport is accepted now among different classes in the country.

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“I was studying that day at home and the final versus England was going on. But the kind of change I have seen in India after that women’s World Cup that set the tone going. I think so this World Cup, it’s a greater responsibility for each one of us, that’s how women’s cricket in India is going to go. We have that responsibility to take it forward,” added Rodrigues.

Touted as one of the future stars, the 19-year-old feels that with each passing day the players are getting closer and understanding each others’ game. “Our loss in the T20 Tri-series final (against Australia) was a bit disappointing but I would say it was a perfect preparation getting into the big event, getting our combinations right,” said Rodrigues, as she and Duminy both shared their experiences during the podcast.

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“Our team is bonding really well compared to all the other previous series we have had. The best part is that we understand each others’ game even more now and that’s the most important thing of any sport,” the right-handed top-order batter added.

Asked about their chances in the World Cup, Rodrigues answered in an optimistic way. “Actually you can’t take any team lightly. It’s T20 World Cup and anything can happen. It’s who does right on that particular day tell you the story,” she concluded.