Jemimah Rodrigues thrives in competitive environments, especially with the T20 World Cup in the UAE this October on the horizon. As an established T20 globetrotter, having played in the Hundred and the WBBL, Rodrigues is currently representing the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) alongside fellow India teammate Shikha Pandey.
"These are the matches I’ll actually get to play before heading into the proper team matches [at the T20 World Cup]," Rodrigues said during a media interaction organised by FanCode. "I’m really excited to try out a few things I’ve been working on. Practice is different, but implementing them in a match environment is a whole other challenge, and that’s why franchise cricket has always excited me."
Rodrigues made her international debut as a teenager in 2018, but after a dip in form in 2021, she regained her confidence with the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. Her unbeaten 43-ball 92 in her first game there ended a long drought, breaking a streak of over 18 months without an international half-century. She finished the tournament with 249 runs in seven innings, the second-highest tally that season, reigniting her career.
As she prepares for her fourth T20 World Cup, the WCPL provides valuable game time that practice sessions and simulation games alone could not match.
"I love travelling and playing for different teams," Rodrigues said about her Caribbean experience. "Meeting new people, understanding how different cricketers think, and adapting to various conditions—it all adds to my game. Every situation is unique, and the more you face those pressure moments, the better your preparation becomes. For me, this stint is a perfect lead-up to the T20 World Cup, and at the same time, I’m fully committed to doing whatever I can to help TKR win. I’m really excited about these matches."
Known for her touch play, Rodrigues has recently been asked to step out of her comfort zone and bat at No. 5 for India, with head coach Amol Muzumdar wanting her to bring stability to the middle order. However, at the WCPL, she is likely to bat at No. 3.
Could this positional switch present a challenge?
"Every batter has their own approach," Rodrigues said when discussing the challenge of playing on slower Caribbean pitches. "For me, it’s crucial to quickly assess the conditions and identify which shots work best on such tracks. Having clarity on those shots and executing them with confidence is key. Whether I’m playing in India or the Caribbean, clarity and application are what I focus on."