In an exclusive interview with India Today, Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise Delhi Capitals’ star India batter Jemimah Rodrigues spoke about Delhi Capitals’ unlucky run in the WPL, the development of the women’s game, the origins of her signature guitar celebration and more.
Delhi Capitals has been one of the more consistent WPL teams, finishing first in the league stage in 2023 before losing in the final to Mumbai Indians and repeated the feat in the league stage once again last year but fell short again, this time to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Talking about finishing as the bridesmaid twice but not the bride, Rodrigues was realistic but said it’s just a matter of time before they cross the line.
“It (still) hurts to lose in two consecutive finals. But we have played tremendous cricket throughout in both seasons, and to consistently be in the finals is an achievement. It’s just about things falling in place on that given day,” says Rodrigues on Delhi Capitals not being able to lift the title and if they can this year.
Rodrigues, even though she’s just 24, is already a senior player in the Indian and Delhi Capitals camp. She also shared her thoughts about how the women’s game has developed over the years, especially post the launch of the WPL and how important it is for the domestic players to play alongside some of the game’s best and learn from them.
“As a youngster who hasn’t had international experience, you are seeing the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Devine, and their professionalism. You know what the benchmark is and how much effort is needed. Personally, being part of overseas leagues has helped,” was Rodrigues’ thoughts on how the game is developing especially with the inception of the WPL.
Rodrigues also shared some insight into her signature celebration, holding her bat as a guitar and shared how it came along and also how music is important to her and her game.
“I do that pose at every photo shoot. I told myself that the day I score a hundred, I will do it. It took some time, but I was happy to be able to do it. Music helps me switch off and unwind, especially strumming the guitar. And my guitar travels with me on tour.”
(Quotes sourced from India Today)
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