From Anxiety to Glory: Jemimah Rodrigues’ Brave Battle That Led India to World Cup History

Rising cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues, who steered India’s chase against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, opened up after the match about her silent struggle with anxiety during the tournament.


Fighting back tears at the post-match presentation, the 25-year-old batter shared, “I want to be very honest here because someone watching might be going through the same thing.

Nobody likes to talk about their weaknesses, but I was dealing with a lot of anxiety at the start of the tournament. It got really overwhelming before some games — I would often call my mom and cry just to let it all out. When you’re going through anxiety, you feel completely numb.”

In her post-match interview, Jemimah confessed, “It was really hard this last month. I’ve cried almost every day. I was going through anxiety and not doing well mentally.”

For many, this was the first time a top athlete so openly shared her emotional struggles — not after defeat, but after a heroic win. It broke stereotypes about what strength looks like.

Her secret to finding calm? Faith and stillness. Jemimah said she kept repeating a scripture to herself: “Stand still and let God fight for you.” It became her anchor through uncertainty, helping her rebuild her confidence day by day.

Jemimah admitted, “Nobody likes to talk about their weaknesses. But I want to, because that’s how healing starts.”

That honesty is what makes her story so powerful. Anxiety can affect anyone — athletes, students, professionals, or even those who appear perfectly in control. By sharing her experience, Jemimah has opened the door for countless young people to realise: it’s okay to not be okay.

Understanding Anxiety — What It Really Is

Anxiety is not just stress before an exam or a match. It’s a condition where the mind stays in constant alert — overthinking, over-preparing, and fearing failure.
Some common signs include:

* Rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing

* Feeling restless or uneasy

* Difficulty concentrating

* Sleeplessness or fatigue

* Negative self-talk or fear of judgment

Just like Jemimah, many people experience these symptoms silently, often blaming themselves instead of seeking help.

How to Overcome Anxiety — Lessons from Jemimah’s Journey

1. Acknowledge it. Don’t hide it. 
The first step to recovery is acceptance. Suppressing emotions only amplifies them.

2. Find your anchor — faith, family, or mindfulness.
Jemimah found peace through her faith. For others, it could be meditation, music, or nature.

3. Talk about it.
Sharing with a trusted person or professional can lift the invisible burden off your chest.

4. Stay consistent with self-care.
Exercise, proper sleep, and balanced nutrition help regulate mood and stress levels.

5. Remember — anxiety doesn’t define you.
Your value isn’t measured by your calm days alone. Strength lies in standing back up.

Jemimah Rodrigues didn’t just script a cricketing miracle — she redefined courage. Her story tells us that victory is not the absence of struggle, but the decision to keep going despite it.

Remember, anxiety doesn’t make you weak. It’s just a storm that passes — and when it does, you shine brighter.