News
Centurion Jemimah Reveals Battle With Anxiety: ‘I’ve Cried Almost Every Single Day’
Follow UsIt was only a fortnight ago that the 25-year-old got dropped from the starting XI
In one of the more emotional press conferences witnessed in recent times, India’s Jemimah Rodrigues opened up about her ongoing battle with anxiety in the aftermath of her heroic showing in the semi-final against Australia on October 30 (Thursday).
Earlier this month, Jemimah was dropped from India’s Playing XI midway through the World Cup, but after returning to the side, it’s the 25-year-old who has propelled India to the final, with scores of 76* in the decisive clash against New Zealand and 127* against Australia in the all-important semi-final.
The knock on Thursday helped India not only upset the defending champions and move to the final, but complete the highest successful run-chase in Women’s ODI history.
Jemimah, after the match, used the platform to talk about her struggles with anxiety.
“I'll be very vulnerable here because I know someone watching might be going through the same thing. I was going through a lot of anxiety at the start of the tournament. I used to call my mom and cry the entire time — because when you're going through anxiety, you just feel numb,” Jemimah said after the game, reported Times of India.
“My mum, dad, and friends like Arundhati and Radha were always there for me.
“I've cried in front of Arundhati almost every day. Even when she didn't say much, her presence meant everything. I'm so blessed to have friends I can call family. And it's okay to ask for help.”
Jemimah has always been someone who’s been vocal about the power of faith and religion, and she revealed how reading the Bible has helped her overcome tough times.
“Reading the Bible encouraged me in tough times. It says, ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.' And today joy came — but I'm still weeping.”
This century was a knock of statement as much as anything, but the 25-year-old insisted that she did not want to prove a point. All she wanted to do? To ensure that her side wins.
“I didn't play for my 100 or to prove a point at No.3. I just played to make sure India win. When you do it for the team, God favours you,” Jemimah said.