India batter Jemimah Rodrigues shared an emotional note on her social media handle Instagram for her teammate and close friend Arundhati Reddy, praising her for the way she supported the group throughout the World Cup despite not getting a single game.
Jemimah recalled a conversation during the tournament that left a deep impact on her, and importantly during a tournament where she was not feeling her absolute best with mental space. She wrote, “Aru and I were having a conversation one day during the tournament and she said, ‘You know my purpose for this World Cup is bigger than myself, it’s to be there for others.’”
Jemimah said that moment made her pause and think about the kind of person Arundhati is. It is very obvious to be disappointed in not getting to find a place in a world cup team sheet, but to look after the morale of other teammates made her such a special human being. She added, “I know how much not playing was pinching her, but to leave everything and look out for the people around you is hard but she did it wholeheartedly!”
Talking about Arundhati’s attitude, Jemimah shared how her friend continued to show strength even when things were not going her way. She wrote, “Your real character is tested when things don’t go the way you want it to go, but in spite of all that you left your things aside and you served others with all your heart. It’s very rare to have a heart like this!”
Jemimah highlighted that even though Arundhati’s contribution won’t show on paper, it meant the world to the team. She explained that even without playing a single match, Arundhati was constantly lifting up the group, checking on players, and bringing positive energy during tense moments of the World Cup.
She wrote, “What you’ve done may not come on a scoresheet, but in God’s eyes this is the biggest thing that pleases Him, when you forget yourself and give your life to help others! And you’ve not just been there for me but everyone in this team!!”
Calling it the “biggest achievement” for her, Jemimah added, “This, what you’ve done throughout the World Cup is the biggest achievement for me! I’m so so so proud to say that Dattuuuuu Reddy my best friend!”
Opening up further, Jemimah revealed that she had been struggling with her mental health during the tour and often found herself overwhelmed. She said Arundhati was someone who never let her feel alone, always checking in and offering comfort whenever she needed it.
Jemimah wrote, “I wasn’t doing well mentally, had been crying a lot during this tour, but there was never a time that Aru hasn’t checked on me or been there for me. Thank you for taking care of your little one!”
Reddy may not have got an opportunity to represent India in this World Cup, but her contributions as a therapist for the entire team make her more than a true world champion.
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