New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman praised batter Jemimah Rodrigues for her remarkable resilience and mental strength after she candidly discussed her struggle with anxiety during the initial stages of the ongoing Women’s World Cup.

Following her spectacular performance, where she guided India to its highest successful run-chase in women's ODI history, knocking Australia out in the semifinal with a stunning 127 not out, Jemimah disclosed her anxiety challenges at the tournament's outset. She shared that she often called her mother in tears to cope with the mounting pressure.

Recognizing her spirit, Laxman remarked that true mental fortitude and aggression are evident when one stands firm in the face of difficulties.

“This exemplifies what mental toughness, killer instinct, and true aggression entail. It’s about maintaining your strength when faced with adversity and having faith in yourself. Doubts, anxiety, and negative thoughts will surface, but champions conquer that inner struggle, manage pressure, and remain driven until their team's objectives are met,” Laxman expressed on X.

It was a day of redemption for Jemimah, who had been left out of India’s lineup for the match against England in the tournament. She made a commendable return, scoring 76 not out against New Zealand before delivering her career-best performance against Australia.

She showcased her prowess with outstanding unbeaten innings against both New Zealand and Australia, where she partnered for a remarkable 167-run stand for the third wicket, enabling India to chase down 339 runs and secure a spot in Sunday’s final against South Africa.

Post-match, she reflected on the challenges she faced recently and emphasized her unwavering belief in her capabilities on significant platforms.

“I want to be vulnerable here because I understand that someone watching this might be experiencing similar feelings, and that’s why I’m sharing this—it’s not easy to discuss one’s weaknesses,” Jemimah told reporters during the press conference.

“I dealt with a lot of anxiety at the tournament's start, and even before a few games, I would call my mum and cry, releasing all my emotions. When grappling with anxiety, you can feel numb and lost. During this time, my mum and dad provided immense support,” she added.