The long-awaited is ahead FIFA Women’s World Cup 2026 opener vs Pakistan in Birmingham, Indian Dough Jemima Rodriguez talked about the key, behind-the-scenes moment that pushed India’s historic girl Women’s ODI World Cup triumph last year. Rodriguez revealed how a timely phone call from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar provided the ultimate psychological reset just before the monumental final vs South Africa.
How did Sachin Tendulkar’s encouragement affect Jemima Rodriguez?
India’s path to ultimate glory was paved by Rodriguez, who gave it his whole life. In a high-stakes semi-final clash against the world-dominating Australians in Navi Mumbai, Jemima smashed a magnificent, unbeaten 127. The spectacular knock single-handedly demolished the tournament favourites, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world and triggering an unprecedented wave of public euphoria and media attention.
However, the very emotional gravity of the victory threatened to distract. Reflecting on the aftermath of that career-defining performance, Rodriguez admitted he was stunned by the sudden outpouring of praise and celebrations.
“Sachin sir called my coach Prashant Shetty. He asked him to tell me that he understood that the last couple of days had been very big for me – the big blow against Australia in the semi-final, the joy of beating them,” Rodriguez shared in an interview with JioHotstar.
Aware of the immense pressure on the young batsman, the master blaster offered some invaluable wisdom on how to deal with the adrenaline rush of victory.
“He reminded that the work is not finished yet. We still had to win the final. He said, “try to put it aside and start from scratch.” This post really helped me change my mind. I realized that what you did before won’t win you the next game. You have to see every match as a new start. This advice from the legend gave me so much clarity before the final“, she added.
Tendulkar’s intervention proved masterfully effective. By teaching the youngster to mentally erase her previous success and approach the final with a clean slate, the cricket icon ensured that India’s brightest talent stayed on the ground when it mattered most.
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Shafali Verma’s dynamic double in the Women’s ODI World Cup won it
While Tendulkar’s mentorship cemented Rodriguez, it was the initial dough Shafali Verma which provided explosive fireworks in the final vs South Africa. Verma produced a superb all-round performance, hitting 87 match-winning runs before achieving a crucial bowling figure of 2/36 to finally seal India’s historic silverware.
Like Rodriguez, Verma drew inspiration from a deeply personal source. A motivational pep talk from her father catalyzed her onto the big stage.
“We had two days off before the final. My dad sent me a voice note, he said, “Just work hard. Give your best on the field and it should go in writing that Shafali Verma helped India win the World Cup.’ This voice memo gave me extra passion. I knew that I had to perform not only for myself, but also for him and for the team“, Verma reminded.
The reigning world champions are turning the page with the ODI World Cup safely in their trophy cabinet. The Women in Blue are now fine-tuning their final tactical plans as they move into the game’s shortest format. India will begin their Women’s World Cup T20 campaign this Sunday at Edgbaston in Birmingham, rekindling their fierce historic rivalry with Pakistan. Driven by an elitist mindset, hailed by legendary mentors and backed by a tight-knit family, this fearless Indian squad looks poised to build the ultimate cricketing dynasty.
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This article was first published in WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.