New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) The remarkable innings of Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored an unbeaten 127 against Australia, was a culmination of a year’s dedication and effort, as revealed by her long-time coach Prashant Shetty. This stellar performance enabled India to successfully chase a historic 339 runs, securing a spot in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final.

Jemimah's extraordinary display was pivotal in edging out Australia, paving the way for India to face South Africa on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

The emotional aftermath was profound, with Jemimah kneeling, tears of joy streaming down her face, and her hands folded in gratitude—a testament to her journey filled with challenges, anxiety, and perseverance, creating unforgettable memories for cricket fans everywhere.

“It was a significant moment for the entire nation. The pressure was palpable, especially when she approached her century. Realizing she could lead the team to victory was crucial,” said Shetty.

“Her endurance at the crease until the end was vital for the team’s success,” he added, speaking to IANS ahead of the final showdown.

Before joining the Indian squad for the World Cup, Jemimah diligently trained under Shetty at the Kkalpavriksha Cricket Clinic in Mumbai, honing her skills with various training methods—from plastic balls to bowling machines—preparing her for any challenge.

“It was a huge relief. We had been strategizing for a year—discussing pitch conditions, game plans, and knockout scenarios as India often finds itself in high-stakes matches,” Shetty explained.

“The focus was on her gameplay in critical situations. Now, as a senior player, seeing her achieve that century was exhilarating. Every moment was filled with emotion for us,” Shetty remarked, who also mentors India U19 men's captain Ayush Mhatre.

The path to victory was not straightforward. After struggling with two ducks and modest scores, Jemimah was left out of the match against England, which India narrowly lost. However, her comeback in the crucial game against New Zealand saw her score an impressive 76 before achieving her first World Cup century against the formidable Australian side.

Jemimah's post-match press conference was a candid revelation of her struggles with mental health and anxiety during the tournament. “Jemi’s character is inherently open. Her courage to express vulnerability on such a public platform is commendable,” Shetty noted.

“She is a person of clarity. She can navigate difficult conversations with diplomacy. All her emotions emerged during the game, and she deserves recognition for that,” he added.

Shetty emphasized the physical demands Jemimah faced, having spent 50 overs in the field under intense conditions before coming out to bat after Shafali Verma’s early exit.

“What stood out was that she fielded for 50 overs. According to our fielding unit, she had to put in the most effort. Coming out to bat in the second or third overs and remaining until the 49th over was both physically and mentally demanding,” he explained.

“Maintaining intensity for nearly 100 overs is a considerable challenge. Her composure, temperament, and fighting spirit were remarkable,” he added.

The match was filled with tense moments—at 82, Jemimah top-edged a slog-sweep, and for a few seconds, the crowd of 35,000 held its breath as Alyssa Healy dropped a critical catch. Shetty, along with Jemimah's parents, remained steadfast in their prayers during the chase.

“I had nothing else on my mind. I was relieved when her catch was missed, just focusing on the next ball being bowled. I didn't have the luxury of thought in that high-pressure scenario,” Shetty recounted.

This victory is historically significant for Indian cricket, as the team had rarely defeated Australia in chases. Jemimah's transformation from a young talent to a senior match-winner is attributed to two primary traits, according to Shetty.

“Firstly, she possesses an unwavering passion for cricket and a desire to represent her country. After the semi-final victory, it was clear how deeply she feels about playing for India and the sacrifices made for it. Secondly, her relentless pursuit of improvement sets her apart,” he stated.

“She approaches every game with a commitment to learn and grow. Her exclusion from the 2022 World Cup was a pivotal moment for her, driving her to enhance her skills. This passion and hunger distinguish Jemimah from her peers. As coaches, we value players like her who exhibit genuine work ethics,” he emphasized.

As India readies for the final, Shetty's advice to Jemimah is straightforward: “She should play the final with the same mindset she had in the semi-final. Understanding the situation is crucial. She knows when she will bat and needs to be prepared to shoulder her responsibilities as a senior player.”

The stakes are incredibly high. India has reached the ODI World Cup final twice—2005 and 2017—but has yet to claim the trophy. For Jemimah, Sunday represents a chance to complete her redemption arc on a grand stage.

A win on Sunday could elevate the status of Indian women’s cricket significantly. Shetty, who will be present at the final, articulated the sentiment well: “I hope Jemi leads India to victory on Sunday. The entire team has gained confidence after defeating Australia. If we can manage our nerves, anything is achievable.”

“Let’s aspire for a revolution akin to the 1983 World Cup in our country. If that occurs, it will mark a monumental shift in women’s cricket. A triumph on Sunday would be for the entire nation, and the impact of Jemi’s innings will resonate for years to come,” Shetty concluded.