Jemimah Rodrigues playing a high-pressure knock in 2025 World Cup semifinal against Australia with focused expression in packed stadium
Former India cricketer Reema Malhotra believes Jemimah Rodrigues’ match-winning World Cup performance and Smriti Mandhana’s leadership gains are direct outcomes of playing under competitive WPL systems
The evolution of India’s women cricketers has rarely been as visible as it was during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. At the heart of that transformation was Jemimah Rodrigues whose unbeaten 127-run knock in the semifinal against Australia helped India chase the highest-ever target in a Women’s World Cup knockout match. It reflected a clear mental shift influenced by the high standards and pressure of franchise cricket. According to former India all-rounder and current television analyst Reema Malhotra the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been a major factor in shaping how Indian players prepare, adapt, and compete. “Look at Jemimah,” she said during her appearance on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan. “Because of the WPL, she has grown out of her comfort zone. She knows that to stay in the playing eleven of someone like Meg Lanning, she has to be consistently inventive.”
Rodrigues, long considered a technically sound player, had previously relied heavily on orthodox strokes. Her recent performances under pressure, however, tell a different story. Her footwork is more confident, her backfoot game more aggressive, and she has taken ownership of middle-overs play with increased intent. These are the qualities now emerging among Indian women who have played in structured leagues like the WPL. Reema Malhotra, who represented India from 2003 to 2013, believes that this evolution is directly linked to the environment created within WPL teams. It’s not just a platform to showcase talent, she said. It’s a platform to grow. Players are learning to read the game better, respond to opposition tactics, and hold their place in a highly competitive squad.
Rodrigues contributed significantly throughout the 2025 World Cup, scoring 311 runs across eight innings at an average of over 51. Her calm under pressure, especially in the semifinal, stood out as a defining moment in India’s campaign. Smriti Mandhana’s tournament was equally impactful. She scored 434 runs in nine innings, including a century and two half-centuries, ending with an average of 54.25. Her performance anchored India’s batting and brought stability at the top of the order.
However, Reema Malhotra pointed out that Smriti’s most important progress may have come off the field. In the first WPL season, she returned from the Big Bash League and led her team without knowing much about the domestic pool, Malhotra explained. But in the second season, she decided to skip the Big Bash and played domestic cricket instead. That helped her identify talent and build a team that went on to win the WPL title. This adjustment in priorities reflects a broader trend. Top Indian players are now balancing domestic formats, franchise leagues, and international commitments with greater professionalism. They are more aware of the rhythm required to perform consistently throughout the year.
According to Malhotra, the WPL has brought a new kind of pressure that prepares players for global tournaments. “Players are now training alongside international names and under the guidance of top coaches. It changes how they think about their game. The focus is no longer just on making the team, but on creating a match-winning impact.” The WPL’s reach has also expanded significantly. Players like Rodrigues, Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Richa Ghosh are now public figures. Their performances are tracked, discussed, and celebrated in real-time. That kind of visibility pushes them to refine their games faster.
Rodrigues’ innings in the semifinal became one of the most discussed performances on social media. Her ability to handle pressure and play with smart aggression was widely praised by fans, former players, and analysts. For many, it was the moment that defined her transition from promising to pivotal. This is not Jemimah 2.0,” Malhotra said. This is Jemimah who has faced elite bowlers in the WPL, played under captains like Meg Lanning, and knows how to finish a game with responsibility. That kind of maturity only comes when you’re tested at the highest levels.
The Great Indian Cricket Show continues to explore these behind-the-scenes journeys. Airing every weekend at 8 PM IST on Doordarshan, it brings expert voices like Reema Malhotra’s into national conversations about Indian cricket’s evolution.
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