New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) As she prepares to captain the Delhi Capitals (DC) for the first time in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Jemimah Rodrigues expressed her intention to merge her deep-rooted preparation strategies with her on-field instincts for the upcoming season, commencing on January 9.

Previously serving as the vice-captain under Australia’s renowned World Cup-winning captain Meg Lanning, Jemimah now steps into the role of captain for DC as Meg takes charge of UP Warriorz (UPW).

Chosen as DC's top pick during the inaugural WPL auction, Jemimah enters this season brimming with confidence, following her significant contribution to India’s remarkable Women’s ODI World Cup victory, where her unbeaten 127 helped India achieve a memorable record chase of 339 against Australia in the semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

“As a captain, it's crucial for me to prepare thoroughly, which is also part of my personality as a cricketer. I enjoy watching videos to analyze bowlers’ variations, whether they have slower balls, bouncers, or yorkers. I aim to understand their capabilities and then react appropriately during the match,” Jemimah stated during a pre-season press conference.

“Preparation is vital, and I believe analyzing each game is essential. However, once I’m on the field, I allow my instincts to take charge. Sometimes, trusting your gut feeling is key to making the right decisions.”

She added, “The choices I make may not always yield the desired results, but I must ensure that they stem from good intentions and my intuition, learning from each experience.”

Jemimah assured that her vibrant personality will remain intact as she assumes the captaincy role, although she intends to be more engaged in decision-making during matches. “My personality won’t change significantly, but when I step onto the field, I enter my zone, whether I’m batting or involved in gameplay, possibly making slight adjustments in field placements.”

“In the Indian team, I was responsible for positioning the right fielders accurately. Having captained Mumbai for several years, I anticipate my leadership style will be more measured.”

“However, I also prefer to think more aggressively, which is a part of my nature. While my personality and style will remain the same, I will be more involved in decision-making,” she elaborated.

Reflecting on her time as Meg's deputy, Jemimah recalled a lesson about maintaining composure under pressure. “I remember a match in Delhi during the second season, where we won by just one run against RCB. I asked Meg if she was nervous, given the close finish, and she admitted she was. I realized that if I panic as a captain, my team will too. Staying calm helps keep the team steady, and I truly value that.”

“Meg’s calm yet aggressive approach greatly influenced my learning,” she said.

From her Indian team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah has gathered invaluable insights on performing under pressure and fostering strong relationships within the bowling unit while emphasizing her unique leadership style.

“Each captain has a distinct style. My biggest lesson is to cultivate my own approach while learning from others. Harmanpreet is an aggressive captain who leads from the front, especially in critical moments. Smriti, on the other hand, remains calm and tactical, making her a smart strategist.”

“Her rapport with bowlers is critical, and I view it as a vital aspect of captaincy,” Jemimah noted.

She emphasized that the responsibility of leading DC will not only enhance her performance but also prepare her for future leadership roles within the Indian team. “I’ve always enjoyed leadership roles, having captained my state team and in domestic tournaments. I believe that taking on this added responsibility will bring out the best in me as a leader.”

“Leading a team in the WPL will be a significant learning experience for me, contributing to my growth both as a captain and a player, as it encourages innovative thinking.”

“I’ll constantly be analyzing what batters and bowlers will do next, which will be beneficial for my future in the Indian team, whether in leadership or other roles,” she stated.

Jemimah concluded by discussing the WPL's influence on Indian women’s cricket, highlighting the recent ODI World Cup success and the emergence of players like N Sree Charani and Kranti Gaud. “The WPL has produced some extraordinary talents. Players like Charani and Kranti emerged from our last season and have made a mark in the World Cup.”

“The progress we’ve seen over the last six to seven months is remarkable. Every season, the level of the game improves, benefiting not only the newcomers but also experienced players. The high-quality matches in the WPL enhance our skills, and I eagerly anticipate the continued rise of women’s cricket in India and globally.”