Jemimah Rodrigues Feels The WC’s Impact: ‘Parents Say They Want Their Sons To…’ | Cricket News

Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

It has only been a few days, but the impact of India’s historic triumph at the 2025 Women’s World Cup is becoming tangible. Jemimah Rodrigues, the Player of the Match of the semi-final when India beat Australia with a record chase, said that she has had families tell her that they want their sons to bat like her.

Rodrigues, who hit 127 not out in that match that set up India’s entry to the final against South Africa and the eventual five-wicket win, isn’t getting too carried away either. She said that the team understands it was ‘just the beginning’ and that now they have a ‘greater responsibility’ to set the right example.

“After the 2017 World Cup, things gradually changed, and within two years, we had special nets just for girls,” Jemimah told Channel 7. “Standing there made me realize women’s cricket had truly arrived. Now, seeing parents say they want their sons to play like me feels incredibly special. But this is just the beginning. Our team understands we have a greater responsibility as world champions. We must set the right example, which our team is committed to doing,” she said.

Rodrigues said the feeling is yet to sink in, before tracing back her journey, which began with watching Sachin Tendulkar when she was 11.

“I still can’t describe this feeling in words or believe we’ve actually won the World Cup. After dreaming about it for so long, when the moment finally came, I kept wondering if this was really happening. This journey began when I was just 11 years old, watching Sachin sir from my balcony and dreaming of winning a World Cup one day. To see that dream come true a few days ago is absolutely crazy and outstanding. I haven’t been able to sleep since we won, but it’s the most wonderful feeling imaginable.”

Rodrigues hasn’t had much time to absorb the impact either. Only hours after the team met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she flew to Australia and is currently taking part in the 2025-26 season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for Brisbane Heat.