Jemimah Rodrigues takes up hockey after ICC Women's World Cup snub

The explosive all-rounder has previously represented Maharasthra U-17 hockey team.

In a sudden turn of events, Indian women’s international Jemimah Rodrigues has taken a decision to feature in a hockey tournament. This is after not making the cut for India’ ICC Women's World Cup squad. 

Head coach Ramesh Powar recently announced his squad for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. Unfortunately, Jemimah Rodrigues couldn't make it to the final squad. The head coach justified Jemimah's absence from Team India's squad for the Women's World Cup. He said, "If you don't perform, you don't get your chances."

But, Jemimah isn’t sitting back and has turned her setback into an opportunity. While her national teammates will represent India at the World Cup, Rodrigues will be busy with hockey. The 21-year-old will be donning the colours of the Uncle's Kitchen United Sports team at the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana Rink Tournament in Mumbai. 

Jemimah Rodrigues isn’t the only one who has missed out on a ticket to the World Cup. The duo of Shikha Pandey and Punam Raut are also notable absentees from the Indian squad at the ICC event. 

Tryst with hockey

Hockey has been running through Jemimah’s blood ever since she was a kid. She was too good with the stick and even represented Maharashtra’s U-17 hockey team at an early age of just nine. 

Not just that, the explosive cricketer represented her school St Joseph’s at the MSSA (Mumbai Sports School Association), an inter-school hockey league. Fast forward to 2022, Jemimah is all set to feature in the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana Rink Tournament in Mumbai.

Jemimah Rodrigues impressed former Indian goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza with her skills with the hockey stick. D’Souza said that it is good to see that despite being busy in international cricket, Jemimah has rekindled her interest in hockey.

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