It's been six years since Jemimah Rodrigues burst onto the international scene–just enough time for an elite athlete to get weathered by the rigours of professional sports, and lose some joviality of the younger days. Yet, Jemimah only seems to be getting younger. She has managed to preserve a sense of youthful joy and vitality, and of course her humour. What's her secret? "It's about enjoying what I am doing, and not taking anything too seriously," says Rodrigues, whose mere presence had brightened the dimly lit studio in Andheri, Mumbai. The 24-year-old has come for the Hyundai Drive Within campaign shoot with Hyundai Motor India Limited, a brand that recognised her immense potential before anyone else and has stood by her side. 

Although the world knows her because of her cricketing exploits, that alone doesn't encapsulate her personality. She's a versatile cricketer, but also ingrained with a musical talent, and her humour would crack through the tense atmosphere of a dressing room—testified by her colleagues, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. On tour with her team, the willow bat is not the only piece of wooden instrument she carries; she also takes her guitar everywhere. It's non-negotiable, and she'll be the first to admit how both are just equally important for her well-being. If the willow lets her spread joy among the nation through sumptuous strokeplays, the guitar is crucial for her own happiness–a way to relax and leave behind the outcomes of the match. She might not be a polymath, but she's not exactly a dilettante either, for it's not possible to become a household name as a cricketer without real commitment and persistence.

She is 100 games old in the shortest format of the game now, and there's no reason why she couldn't add a hundred more to her tally. After all, she's the most sought-after player in the shortest format of the game, having recently signed a contract for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. Her batting is characterised by her nimble footwork and strong wristy strokes, informed by her background in hockey as she admits—she represented the Maharashtra U-17 team. She rarely loses her poise, and her lofted drives are a thing of beauty. On field or off it, it's this versatility that defines her.

Her batting position has become a bone of contention, but she's ready to perform in whatever role she gets in the team. Ultimately, no matter where you come on to bat, the job is to despatch the ball away to the boundary, and she can do this better than most. It's all about the mindset, feels Jemimah.

You recently signed a contract with Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. How is franchise cricket helping your game?  

I think the experience gained from playing matches in the CPL has significantly benefitted my preparation. Being able to compete alongside overseas players in various conditions has enhanced my readiness and enabled me to effectively execute my game plan and training efforts.

What drives and motivates you to stay consistent and focused?

I have always prioritised the team over my personal laurels. I am ready to do whatever it takes to help the team win, because that's the ultimate goal. It doesn't matter if I get my half-century or not, the team should win. This helps me to stay committed to the greater goals and play the situation accordingly.

What's something extra that you have done to reach peak performance? 

I don't think I have done anything extra. As far as working on my strokes and fitness is concerned, I work on them throughout the year. The quest for perfection never ends. I always try to add new shots and work on the existing ones in the practice session to take my game to a whole new level.

Which is your favourite shot?

The cover drive, of course.

What is The Drive Within Jemimah Rodrigues? How has Hyundai Motor India Limited supported you in your three years long association? 

Hyundai Motor India Limited has been there for me from the beginning itself. They have been the biggest cheerleaders of the women's cricket. I remember playing the Women's Big Bash for Melbourne Renegades, and I would often see a huge Hyundai logo. So it's not just in India, they have been supporting women's cricket across the world.

You have been associated with the brand since the first Drive Within campaign and even during the launch of the 2021 Hyundai Alcazar. And now we have the 2024 model. How has your journey with Hyundai Motor India Limited been so far? 

I enjoy working with them. I love the fact that they put the athletes before everything else. Their support means a lot to me.

Three words to describe Jemimah Rodrigues on the pitch?

Determined, relentless, and funny.

You were a part of the team that reached the final of the tournament in 2020. What are the lessons you learned there?

I believe the lessons I have learned are not limited to playing just that final match. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to play in two big semifinals and one final, and these high-stake games taught me a lot. Sports is all about picking yourself up after a setback. It has taught me how to bounce back stronger. I can't keep brooding over the results that didn't go in our favour.

You are someone who relies more on timing and finesse. With the game advancing at such a rapid pace, do you feel the need to get the power-hitting element in your game?

I don't need to emulate anybody if I can get the desired result by playing it in my own way. I always back myself, and as long as I can maintain high strike rate with my own methods, I am fine with it. But I have been working a lot on my bat swing, trying to add new shots to my game. It's the bat swing and correct timing that gets me to the power-hitting phase. It's about being the most effective and deriving the maximum results for the team.

How do you deal with the immense pressure and expectations that come along as an Indian cricketer?

I try to focus mostly on my role in the team and always try to perform it to perfection. I am not someone who spends a lot thinking about the outcomes, because that's not entirely in my hands. I trust my process, and try to just get the job done for the team every time I step out on the field.

What is your favourite way to unwind?

I love music, and I carry my guitar with me. When I am not on tour, I like to spend time with my family and cousins.

What are you listening to nowadays?

My playlist is very random, but I am always a sucker for Bollywood romantic songs. 

What's your comfort food?

I love Nutella pancakes and chicken wings, but I need to eat healthy so I have these on a cheat day. Otherwise, my diet is not too difficult. I just try to eat healthy, but not avoid gluten and all. I like to eat a lot of protein.

One cricketing idol from the present era?

Meg Lanning.

CREDITS:
Photographer: Rohit Gupta (@rohitguptaphotography) / Keegan Crasto (@keegancrasto) / Public Butter (@publicbutter)
Stylist: Bornali Cardeiraa (@bornalicaldeiraa)
Senior Art Director: Hemali Limbachiya (@hema_limbachiya)
Creative Producer: Suprit Parulkar (@supritparulkar)
Production: Pillai Home Production (@pillai_home__production )