The Indian women’s cricket team has reached Dubai for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting on October 3. India women will begin their campaign with a match against New Zealand women at the Dubai International Stadium on October 4. Ahead of India’s campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup, Jemimah Rodrigues heaped praise on opening batter Smriti Mandhana for her maturity at such a young age.
Jemimah Rodrigues said that Smriti Mandhana understands her role in the team so well. Mandhana is also vice-captain of India Women for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. The friendship on and off the field between Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana is well known, and they don't shy away from expressing their true selves for the fans to see either.
Even though she's young, she understands the game and her role so well: Jemimah on Smriti
In her recent interview, Jemimah Rodriques spoke at length about her Indian teammate, and said, "What stands out about Smriti is her maturity. Even though she's young, she understands the game and her role so well. I often joke and call her "Buddhi" (old woman), but her cricketing brain is sharp. As the vice-captain, her inputs are invaluable, and she's developed a great understanding of players. She doesn't just tell you to do something her way; she puts herself in your shoes and offers advice that works for you," as quoted in MyKhel.
Harman di is a big match player: Rodrigues heaps praise on India women skipper
During her interview, Jemimah Rodrigues also applauded the skipper of the Indian women’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur. She also said that winning a World Cup means a lot to Harmanpreet, apart from admitting that she will start crying if she sees her captain lifting the title. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy, India Women reached the final of 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup and 2022 Commonwealth Games. Harmanpreet also led India to the semi-final of 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
"Harman di is a big-match player. We’ve seen it time and again - from her 171 in the World Cup to her performances in key matches. As a team, we know how much this World Cup means to her, and we want to win it for India and for her. If I see her lifting the trophy, I know I’ll start crying," Jemimah Rodrigues said.
