Jemimah Rodrigues Reveals Mental Health Battle After Leading India to World Cup Final

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues publicly shared her struggles with anxiety and emotional distress today, following her pivotal role in securing India’s place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final.

Rodrigues, who scored an unbeaten 127 in the semi-final against Australia, became visibly emotional after the match, revealing the month-long tournament had been “mentally difficult.” She admitted to experiencing periods of numbness, daily crying, and seeking comfort from her mother. A temporary dip in form and being dropped from a match against England further impacted her confidence. This openness from a prominent athlete is expected to encourage wider conversations about mental wellbeing in sports.

“I will be very vulnerable here because I know, if someone is watching, this might be going through the same thing, and that’s my whole purpose of saying it because nobody wants to talk about their weakness,” Rodrigues said after the match. She credited her family, teammates, friends, and her Christian faith with helping her overcome these challenges, quoting Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” – as a source of strength throughout the competition. You can learn more about mental health resources on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.

Social media platforms quickly filled with messages of support for Rodrigues, with many praising her courage in speaking openly about her mental health. Fans highlighted her performance as a testament to resilience, with some calling it the “best innings” they had ever seen. For more on the ICC Women’s World Cup, visit the official tournament website.

Team officials have stated they will continue to provide Rodrigues with the support she needs as the team prepares for the final match.