WPL 2025: Jemimah Rodrigues eyes trophy after consecutive runner-up finishes
What's the story
Delhi Capitals's star player Jemimah Rodrigues has said that she is determined to win the Women's Premier League (WPL) championship title this year.
This follows two consecutive runner-up finishes against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Rodrigues opened up about her preparation strategy for the upcoming season and stated, "My preparation is pretty simple. Whatever I'm going to face in the match, I'll try to bring those situations into practice."
Here's more.
Team confidence
Rodrigues confident of Delhi Capitals's performance in WPL
Rodrigues was confident of her team's performance, saying they have been consistent for the last two seasons.
"We have been very good and consistent in the last two seasons as a team," she said according to Sportstar.
She also spoke about the unpredictability of matches, saying, "There are some days when you can't control the outcome. We have been putting in all our hard work as the DC unit and will keep playing to win."
Training approach
Rodrigues's preparation strategy for WPL
Rodrigues also revealed her simple yet effective preparation strategy for the upcoming season.
Her training regimen includes power-hitting exercises using heavy balls to increase bat swing speed and power, a crucial skill in T20 cricket.
Speaking about her training she stated, "I use the heavy balls which help me get my bat swing faster and gives more power."
This approach has proven successful as backed by her strong scoring record of 381 runs in 18 matches, (strike rate: 143.82).
League influence
Rodrigues praises WPL's impact on women's cricket
Rodrigues also acknowledged the massive impact of the WPL on women's cricket in India.
She spoke about the same, stating, "Playing among the best in the WPL brings out the best in every player, whether they're new to international cricket or experienced."
"The more competitive games we play, the more we are put in that pressure situation," she said.
Rodrigues also noted an increased fan base, "The other biggest impact is the fan base," she added.
Captain admiration
Rodrigues admires Lanning's leadership in WPL
Rodrigues also spoke about her admiration for Delhi Capitals's captain Meg Lanning.
She praised Lanning as "fiercely competitive with an aggressive mindset," always seeking to stay positive and take charge of the game.
Speaking about her skipper, she said, "When we finally spoke once the WPL started, I realised she is so down-to-earth and friendly. I felt so nice."
The Capitals will kick start their 2025 campaign against inaugural champions Mumbai Indians (February 15) at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
T20I stats
A look at the batter's T20I and WPL numbers
As mentioned, Rodrigues has smashed 361 runs in WPL at an average of 32.81, with an impressive strike rate of 143.82.
Her highest score is 69*, across the 16 innings. She also owns two fifties.
Meanwhile, in T20Is, she has amassed 2,267 runs at an average of 30.22 in 107 matches, (94 innings).
She owns a strike rate of 116.01, alongside her 12 fifties. The batter's best score reads 76, (vs Sri Lanka-Women)