Jemimah Rodrigues Reflects on Rising Spectator Enthusiasm Ahead of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues highlights the growing support for women's cricket as India prepares for their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against New Zealand. Rodrigues reminisces about the early days of limited recognition and celebrates the newfound excitement among fans for women's cricket matches.

As the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, star Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues shared her perspectives on the increasing backing for women's cricket in recent years. India's campaign in the UAE kicks off against New Zealand on October 4, followed by a thrilling clash with arch-rival Pakistan on October 6.

Placed in Group A alongside formidable teams such as Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, India's confidence stems from their semi-final run in the previous edition. Rodrigues recalled knowing only two names—cricketing icons Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami—when she started playing, emphasizing that televised games were rare.

'When we started playing cricket, personally, I only knew Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj. They achieved success with little recognition, and we are now relishing the rewards of their hard work,' Rodrigues told Star Sports. She noted that the enthusiasm for watching women's cricket has soared, with fans exhibiting equal fervor for both men's and women's matches.

All-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur will helm a robust 15-member Indian squad, receiving strong support from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and other key players such as Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, according to the ICC.

Richa Ghosh is the designated wicketkeeper, with options including Yastika Bhatia. Bowling strengths feature Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana, Sajana Sajeevan, and Shreyanka Patil. The inclusions of Yastika and Shreyanka hinge on fitness, with both recovering from injuries. The team also has three travelling reserves for the tournament in the UAE.

Last year's T20 World Cup saw Australia clinch their sixth title by defeating South Africa. India narrowly missed the finals, losing to Australia by just five runs in the semi-final.

Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan. Travelling reserves: Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, Saima Thakor. Non-travelling reserves: Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra.

(With inputs from agencies.)