On 5 September 2025, Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues turns 25, and her story so far is a testament to talent, determination, and flair. Born in Mumbai in 2000, she grew up in a cricket-loving household in Bhandup before moving to Bandra West for better sporting facilities.
Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, was her first coach and the one who encouraged her to pursue the game seriously, even starting a girls’ cricket team at her school. Alongside her two elder brothers, Jemimah spent her early years immersed in cricket, while also excelling in hockey for Maharashtra at the under-17 level before devoting herself completely to cricket.
Her domestic rise was swift and spectacular. In November 2017, she etched her name in Indian cricketing history by smashing an unbeaten 202 off 163 balls in a one-day match for Mumbai, becoming only the second Indian woman after Smriti Mandhana to score a double century in domestic 50-over cricket.
She has since become a cornerstone for Mumbai across formats and in 2024 captained the senior women’s side to victory in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, overcoming Uttarakhand in the final. Beyond Indian shores, Jemimah has showcased her talent across leagues worldwide, representing Yorkshire Diamonds, Northern Superchargers, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Delhi Capitals, Trinbago Knight Riders, and most recently, Brisbane Heat in the WBBL 2024–25 season.
Her international career began in 2018 when she made her T20I debut against South Africa on 13 February and her ODI debut a month later against Australia on 12 March. She had to wait until December 2023 for her Test debut, when she played against England. Since then, Jemimah has grown into one of India’s most dependable all-format batters.
Till date, she has 235 runs in three Tests at an average of 58.75 with three half-centuries and the highest of 74, 1,439 runs in 48 ODIs at an average of 32.70 with two centuries and seven fifties, and 2,375 runs in 112 T20Is at an average of 30.06 with 13 fifties. She has also contributed with her part-time off-spin, memorably taking 4 for 3 in an ODI, one of the most remarkable bowling figures in women’s cricket.
Her innings have often carried both weight and artistry. In January 2025, she scored her maiden ODI century, a brilliant 102 off 91 balls against Ireland in Rajkot, guiding India to a record total of 370 and sealing the series. The celebration, a guitar-strumming gesture, became instantly viral, reflecting her fun-loving spirit off the field.
In May 2025, Jemimah Rodrigues struck a career-best 123 against South Africa in Colombo, lifting India into the Tri-Nation Series final. She carried that form into the English summer, scoring a steady 48 at Southampton, a fluent 50 at Chester-le-Street, and a blistering 63 off 41 balls in a T20I at The Oval. Alongside her batting, her athletic fielding and sharp boundary catches reinforced her all-round impact.
Now, as India prepares for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, Jemimah stands on the cusp of her maiden appearance in the tournament. India begins its campaign in Guwahati on 30 September, with Jemimah expected to play a pivotal role. For her, this World Cup is not just another competition—it represents the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering dream to shine on the biggest stage.
As she turns 25, she is already among India’s finest all-format performers, and her story continues to inspire young girls across the country to chase the game with the same passion she brings to it. Here’s wishing Jemimah Rodrigues a very happy birthday, with the hope that her bat continues to sing, her guitar continues to strum, and her star continues to shine brighter with every passing year.
Loves all things female cricket