‘I just went to my room and I started crying’: Jemimah Rodrigues on how a talk with her mother helped her ahead of World Cup match vs Pakistan

Overcoming Anxiety Before the World Cup Match

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues recently shared her emotional journey leading up to India’s opening Women’s T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. She admitted experiencing deep anxiety and self-doubt during the early stages of the tournament preparation.

Rodrigues explained:

"I just went to my room and I started crying. There was so much pressure and I felt like I wasn’t doing enough."

The Mumbai batter said that her struggles weren’t just about performance but also about handling expectations from fans and herself. In that moment of doubt, it was her mother who helped her regain balance.

Mother’s Support and Reassurance

Jemimah recalled calling her mother and opening up about her fears. Their conversation became the turning point for her mental state before the crucial match.

"My mom told me to stop overthinking and to focus on why I started playing cricket in the first place — because I love the game."

According to Rodrigues, these words helped her release pressure and reconnect with her purpose. She returned to the field feeling lighter and more motivated.

Finding Confidence on the Field

Following the heartfelt talk, Jemimah played with renewed confidence, contributing significantly to India’s victory against Pakistan in their World Cup opener. Her story resonated with fans and teammates as an example of how mental well-being impacts performance.

Rodrigues concluded by emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself and talking openly about emotions, especially in high-pressure sports.

"Sometimes all it takes is a small conversation to remind you of who you are and what you can do."


Author’s summary: Jemimah Rodrigues shared how a heartfelt conversation with her mother pulled her out of anxiety and helped her regain confidence ahead of India’s World Cup clash with Pakistan.

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The Indian Express The Indian Express — 2025-11-28

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