Following their dominant performance in the three-match ODI series and a commanding 10-wicket win in the one-off Test, the Indian women’s team, known as the Women in Blue, will now host South Africa for a three-match T20I series at Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium from July 5 to July 9.
India has already showcased exceptional form, sweeping the ODI series 3-0. In the one-off Test, India posted a historic total of 603/6 before declaring their innings. South Africa initially reached 236/4 on Day 1 but were bowled out for 266 by Day 3. Following on and trailing by 337 runs, South Africa displayed resilience, achieving their highest-ever innings total of 373 in women’s Test cricket, supported by their highest second-wicket partnership and contributions from the lower order. In the chase of a 37-run target, India achieved victory without losing any wickets, with Shafali Verma scoring 24 off 30 balls and Shubha Satheesh contributing 13 off 26 balls.
The first T20I of the series will commence on July 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Jemimah Rodrigues spoke in a pre-match conference.
On her fitness status ahead of the T20I series
Jemimah Rodrigues admitted that fielding in Test cricket for three consecutive days was tough. However, her determination is evident from her presence on the field today. This serves as a clear answer to any concerns about her ability to participate, demonstrating her commitment to the game.
She stated, “it was kind of difficult because obviously test cricket fielding for three days, but just to see me on the ground today after fielding for three days. I think you got your answer.”
On striving for consistency
Jemimah Rodrigues reflected on her absence from the Bangladesh series due to an injury but noted her familiarity with conditions in Sylhet and Dhaka from past matches, emphasizing the team’s growth in mindset and planning regardless of outcomes. Looking forward to playing in Chennai, she anticipated positive experiences akin to those in Bangladesh due to their thorough preparation. She then hyped the upcoming match against South Africa, acknowledging their strong form and the pressure it entails, emphasizing the team’s focus on simplicity and effective execution as discussed in their recent team meeting. Jemimah reiterated the team’s commitment to consistency and excellence in performance, aiming for success in every match they play. Excited about the upcoming match in Chennai, she anticipated a vibrant crowd atmosphere similar to the recent Test match, anticipating the return of T20 women’s cricket to the city after 17 years with enthusiasm.
“I think One of the biggest things I’ve seen about this team is that you know this team every series. I think we’re getting better and better and better,” Jemimah mentioned.
On the focus areas for the T20I series
Jemimah emphasized the team’s focus on enhancing clarity in their batting, bowling, and fielding strategies, underlining the critical role of improved fielding in pivotal matches. She highlighted ongoing efforts within the team to refine these aspects. Additionally, she praised the team’s longstanding cohesion and consistency, attributing it to their extensive experience playing together. She also credited the WPL for significantly boosting the team’s confidence, especially after the recent season in Delhi where they came across pitches similar to those in Bangladesh—low and turning—providing valuable preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
She stated, “Plus, having the WPL experience, where this WPL was amazing mainly for the Indians.”
On India’s batting order
Jemimah discussed the current dynamics of the Indian team, inserting humour by requesting prayers for the injured number three batter before shifting focus to more serious matters. She praised Yastika’s resilience and performance despite her absence due to injury, while also expressing happiness for Dayalan Hemalatha, who stepped up admirably in the WPL, despite personal and familial challenges, and then in national colours. Jemimah highlighted the clarity in roles within the team, emphasizing her own and Hema’s understanding of their responsibilities towards achieving victory in the upcoming World Cup. She underscored the team’s collective determination to succeed, emphasizing that regardless of changes in the batting order, the ultimate goal remains winning the World Cup.
She stated, “The ultimate goal is to make India win.”
On assessing the pitch conditions
Jemimah emphasized that Chennai can be a high-scoring venue, citing the Indian team’s 500-run performance on the first day of the Test match as evidence of the pitch’s potential. She acknowledged the importance of assessing conditions but expressed confidence in the team’s clear mindset and adaptable strategies, whether facing favourable or challenging pitches. Jemimah highlighted their focus on clarity and preparation, stressing that the team’s plans remain persistent regardless of external factors such as conditions or opposition, aiming to adapt effectively and perform consistently in preparation for upcoming tournaments.
She mentioned, “We are very clear about our plans.”
On sticking to the basics
Jemimah emphasized the importance of consistency in the team’s approach, highlighting their focus on executing fundamental tasks correctly and repeatedly. She expressed confidence in the team’s cohesion due to their long-standing experience playing together. Looking ahead, she emphasized the goal of dominating consistently throughout the series, viewing it as crucial for building confidence and achieving success as a unit.
She explained, “I am looking forward to this team for something to gain out of this series, would be just consistently dominating, consistently making sure.”
On fitness and fielding first
Jemimah highlighted the team’s new focus on fitness and fielding under Amol Muzumdar’s leadership, stressing their non-negotiable importance in team meetings. She mentioned specialized camps for batters and bowlers where fitness and fielding were integral parts of daily routines, emphasizing the dedication to morning fitness sessions followed by evening fielding drills for optimal recovery and skill development. She acknowledged the ongoing improvement in these areas since their concerted effort began, recognizing that achieving high standards in fielding is a gradual process requiring continuous commitment. Jemimah expressed confidence that their hard work will produce positive results for the Indian women’s cricket team in the near future.
She said, “as an Indian women’s cricket team we are setting our standards high and we continue to you know do whatever it takes to maintain that standard and keep going.”
(Quotes sourced from BCCI.tv)