Why Jemimah Rodrigues is the most critical cog for India, going into a WT20 WC year

Why Jemimah Rodrigues is vital for India ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup — stability, strike rotation, and big-match temperament?

Jemimah Rodrigues has steadily emerged as one of India’s most indispensable T20I batters, combining technical finesse with destructive power at the top of the order. A cornerstone of the Indian women’s side since her debut in 2018, Rodrigues has amassed over 2444 T20I runs at an average of 30.93 and a strike rate north of 117.33, making her one of the team’s most reliable run-scorers in the shortest format.

In recent series, including India’s preparatory matches ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, she has played pivotal knocks – such as an unbeaten 69 against Sri Lanka – underlining her ability to anchor chases and accelerate when needed. Her experience across tournaments equips her with both the temperament and shot-making skills essential for India’s ambitions in a World Cup year.

Since the beginning of 2024, Jemimah Rodrigues has notched up 362 runs in 13 WT20I innings at number three for India. She averages 36.20 at a strike rate of 133.08 with the help of three half-centuries. Rodrigues’ 13 innings are almost double the opportunities Dayalan Hemalatha received over the past two years, underlining the management’s clear trust in Rodrigues’ ability to perform in that role.

The Mumbai-born possesses a special ability to rotate strike effectively at No. 3, ensuring the scoreboard keeps moving. At the same time, she has the power to find boundaries and clear the ropes to relieve pressure. Striking the right balance between control and aggression is crucial in that role, and Jemimah Rodrigues seamlessly blends timing with intent.

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Jemimah Rodrigues stamps authority at number three for India in WT20Is
Since the start of 2023, Rodrigues has bagged 648 runs in 25 WT20I innings for India at number three. Her average of 34.10 is quite exceptional at a strike rate of 117.81 with the help of four fifties. Her best score of 73 at this position came last year against the West Indies at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Most runs for India at number 3 in WT20Is since January 2023

In the last couple of years, India have used Rodrigues at number four only five times in WT20Is. The right-handed batter was stuck at 163.93 in that position, but she finds the mojo at number three.

Comparing her contribution among the Test-playing nations in WT20Is, Rodrigues is the fourth leading run-getter since the beginning of 2024. She has 362 runs in 13 innings at an average of 36.20 and a strike rate of 133.08 with three fifties.

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Most runs among Test-playing nations in WT20Is at number 3 since Jan 2024

In 2025, Rodrigues is India’s third-highest run-getter in WT20Is with 177 runs in six innings. She carries an average of 44.25 with a strike rate of 137.20, having scored two half-centuries.

Even in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the 25-year-old has amassed 172 runs at number three in nine innings. For the Delhi Capitals (DC), she averages 24.57 at a strike rate of 148.27, including two half-centuries.

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Jemimah Rodgures’ balanced batting with intent gives India success at number three
Even in the modern T20 era, where batting is increasingly defined by brute power and six-hitting ability, Jemimah Rodrigues operates to her own template. In modest chases, her ability to anchor the innings with controlled intent proves invaluable under pressure. When early wickets fall inside the powerplay, teams rely on batters of Rodrigues’ profile – players who can stabilise one end without allowing the scoring rate to stagnate.

Since 2024, Rodrigues has an average of 52.66 in chases for 158 runs, including three not-outs. Her strike rate is 119.69 for her one half-century in seven innings. In victories during the same period, her average flies to 122. Her best score of unbeaten 69 runs came against Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the ongoing five-match series in Visakhapatnam. It was decorated with 10 boundaries at a strike rate of 156.82, which any team will gladly take from a number three.

When India lost Shafali Varma early in the 122-run chase, Rodrigues provided calmness and ensured India wouldn’t lose tempo for the rest of the innings. Her audacious scoop over fine leg underlined her growing reputation as a near 360-degree player. The sound technique also allows her to play late cuts or classical drives around the ground.

“I feel that when I bat, I am at my best when I am just blank and react to the ball. And that’s what I was doing. I didn’t think of the score either. Just thought of reacting to the ball and playing according to merit.” Rodrigues reflected on her game at number three in the post-match presentation.

India, as per the current schedule, will have 10 more WT20Is before heading into the T20 World Cup 2026. Three of those are against England to provide them the best preparation two weeks before the competition.

They may have multiple issues in combination for the shortest format. But they can certainly settle the debate for the number three position. Rodrigues has finally timed the position with her exceptional intent and intelligence. Their next game against Sri Lanka in the ongoing series will be on December 23 in Visakhapatnam.

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