Every game is important and every game is a preparation – Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues knitted together an impressive knock of 69*, propelling India to a grandstand finish against Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener in Vizag. Rodrigues also bagged the Player of the Match award as she played a major hand in India's chase of Sri Lanka's 122-run target in just 14.4 overs.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Rodrigues opened up on her current form while emphasizing how she has mastered the art of late-cuts which has been a major bane for her counterparts. She also revealed the next challenge that the entire team was looking forward to.

Stating her ongoing form, Jemimah said, “That was my mindset. Jab acche lag rahe tho, form itna extend karo, that jab nahi lag rahe (When it looks good, extend the form so much. When it doesn't look good, make up for it). That was my simple mindset.”

Shedding light on her inclination towards playing the cut shots, Rodrigues added, “I will still find the gap. Yeah, I think for me it was important to understand the conditions. To be honest, it was slightly sticky. Not as flat as we thought it was. But I was just in good touch. So, I just wanted to continue that. And my mindset is simple. I feel when I bat the best when I am just blank and react to the ball. And that's what I was doing. I didn't think of the score either. Just thought of reacting to the ball and playing according to the merit.”

Talking about India’s collective display, Rodrigues said, “I think we have been doing really well. What we have spoken is simple. What has happened in the past has happened. Every day is a new day. For us, it's now what's next. It's the 2026 World Cup for us. Every game is important and every game is a preparation for that and we want to win that.”

Rodrigues concluded with a word of appreciation for young Sri Lankan skipper Shashini Gimhani, adding, “No, actually our video analyst Annie Sir told us please go watch her videos because she is a mystery spinner. A very good, I would say, a rising star for Sri Lanka. Just some more experience and I think she is going to do it well. But yeah, I just stuck to my strengths. I think I just watched the video so I knew her action before and what she bowls. And then I just reacted to the ball where she was bowling, I was trying to hit it over that fielder.”