WPL 2025: Jemimah Rodrigues Sees Long Gap as Advantage

Mumbai, March 13 (NationPress) There exists an eight-day interval between the last league match of the Delhi Capitals and the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) final scheduled for March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium. However, Jemimah Rodrigues, a right-handed batter for the team, opines that this extended break has proven beneficial, as it allows the team to acclimatize to the pitches in Mumbai.

DC has been the direct finalist in each of the three editions of the league after leading the table, but they are aiming to secure victory for the third time in the title match taking place this Saturday. "Regarding the break, it is genuinely advantageous for our team. We’ve engaged in numerous team bonding activities, and this WPL season has been somewhat hectic for us," she stated.

“We played several consecutive matches, traveling and competing frequently. Therefore, this break is, in my and the team’s perspective, a positive development, and we have also benefited from quality practice sessions on the Mumbai pitches to adapt to them.”

“Sometimes, having a break is refreshing, and yes, we’re prepared for the finals. We are eager for the game and have trained thoroughly. Unlike the previous two years, this year has not been entirely smooth sailing for us. However, as I've mentioned in prior interviews, this team knows how to persevere, and we intend to return stronger this year,” Jemimah expressed during a virtual press conference on Thursday.

The upcoming final marks the first occasion this season that DC will compete at the Brabourne Stadium. When asked if this could pose a disadvantage for DC, Jemimah responded, “The fact is, everyone in our team has experience playing on these pitches. Perhaps one or two players have yet to compete at the CCI. We also played as the Delhi Capitals two seasons ago.”

“Consequently, everyone is well-acquainted with the conditions and pitches. As I mentioned, we’ve been having productive practice sessions during this downtime, which is equipping us to adapt effectively.”

“Honestly, like all other pitches in Mumbai, batting here is a dream come true. You relish batting in this environment – the outfield is quick, and if you time it right, it’s bound to be a four. We are genuinely excited about it, as are our bowlers, who have come up with their strategies.”

So far, Jemimah has accumulated only 116 runs at an average of 19.33, including one half-century. However, she mentioned that she is reserving her best performance for the title match. “This year has presented different challenges compared to last year. But to put it succinctly, I’m saving my best for the finals – that’s all I’ll say.”

Among all the experienced players in DC, opener Shafali Verma has emerged as a standout once again, scoring 300 runs at an average of 42.85 and a strike rate of 157.9. Jemimah expressed hope that Shafali will regain her position in the national team after being absent from the T20I setup since the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year.

“Shafali is such an inspiration with her return, not only in her comeback but in the manner she has done so – the strike rate and the impact she’s had on the team are remarkable. It highlights her character – I believe that when things are tough, it’s easy to continue performing as usual. But to be dropped and then return in such a fashion – hats off to her. I’m confident she’ll soon be back in the Indian team as well.”

Another noteworthy development for DC has been Jess Jonassen’s elevation to the number three batting position, where she boasts an average of 45.66 across five innings at a strike rate of 155.7. Additionally, she has taken 11 wickets with her left-arm spin bowling at an average of 19. Jemimah shared that the decision to promote Jess to number three stemmed from head coach Jon Lewis, captain Meg Lanning, and assistant coach Lisa Keightley.

“Previously, in the last two seasons, Alice Capsey would come in during the power play as a punch hitter to capitalize on the moment, playing freely and backing herself. This year, due to our team composition, we aimed to implement some changes.”

“That’s when she couldn’t fit into that combination, and in one of the matches, I stepped in at number three. But then we all thought, since that worked for us last season, why not try it with Jess? It was a decision made by JB, Lisa, and Meg to send Jess there.”

“When Jess took on that role, she just blasted every ball out of the park, displaying such intent and taking charge of the game, which generated significant momentum in our batting lineup. It made things easier for everyone that followed, and it’s genuinely working for us. It’s a fantastic decision they’ve made, and I’m sure we’ll stick with it,” she concluded.