‘We will keep playing to win’- Delhi Capitals’ top batter Jemimah Rodrigues ahead of WPL 2025

The Delhi Capitals are eager to advance this season after finishing as runners-up in consecutive seasons, and they are making every effort to prepare for the Women’s Premier League 2025.

The team is now in Pune for the preseason training, and star batter Jemimah Rodrigues exuded confidence as she talked about how she is getting ready for the upcoming campaign.

“Over the past two seasons, we have performed admirably and consistently as a team. We have been acting appropriately, but there is still this final, which I’m confident we will pass and win the title. On certain days, the result is beyond your control.

As the Delhi Capitals unit, we’ve been working really hard and we’ll keep playing to win,” she said.

“I’m fairly simple in my preparation,” Rodrigues continued. Whether it’s playing aggressively or keeping the innings together from one end, I’ll try to simulate the situations I’ll encounter during the game. Additionally, because it’s T20, there is a lot of power-hitting. In order to increase the speed and force of my bat stroke, I use heavier balls.

The 24-year-old also discussed the effect of the WPL on women’s cricket in India. She has amassed 381 runs with a strike rate of 143.82 in 18 WPL games.

“Regardless of experience level or newness to international cricket, playing with the best in the WPL brings out the best in every player. Playing competitive video games puts us under more strain and helps us learn how to handle pressure-filled circumstances. “Even the domestic cricket standard has improved,” Rodrigues emphasised.

She added, “The fan base is the other major influence. People have started to follow the players even more, in my opinion, because of the WPL and the teams. The popularity of women’s cricket has skyrocketed in India.

The young batter talked about her relationship with Meg Lanning, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, saying, “I remember before the WPL, we played Australia in the World Cup semis, and I saw her on the pitch.” She has an aggressive mindset, is fiercely competitive, and is constantly seeking to win while maintaining her good attitude. I was unsure if she would be approachable because of that viewpoint, but when we actually chatted after the WPL began, I discovered how pleasant and down-to-earth she is. I felt wonderful and recognised that, although she may not always show it, her attitude on the pitch is all about aggression and team leadership.”

On February 15, 2025, at BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the Delhi Capitals will play the Mumbai Indians in the opening match of their WPL 2025 campaign.