Jemimah Rodrigues is finding her rhythm after a three-month injury layoff, scoring 84 runs in two matches for Mumbai. She started her comeback on November 2, showing great form in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy. These performances helped her regain match sharpness before India’s upcoming tour of South Africa.
Jemimah Rodrigues is gradually finding her rhythm again after a three-month injury layoff, with two fluent knocks for Mumbai in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy offering encouraging signs ahead of India's upcoming tour of South Africa.
The India batter has scored 84 runs in two matches since making her comeback, averaging 84 at a strike rate of 140. Her performances have come at an important time, with Jemimah looking to regain match sharpness and build momentum before the national team returns to international action.
Jemimah began her comeback with a 19-ball 26 against Uttar Pradesh on November 2 at the MCA Ground 2 in Gahunje, Pune. She struck three fours and a six as Mumbai registered a 29-run victory in a rain-curtailed contest. Defending a target of 85 in a nine-over-per-side match, Mumbai restricted Uttar Pradesh to 55 for six.
She followed that up with a more substantial contribution against Delhi on November 4 at the MCA Cricket Stadium in Gahunje. Jemimah scored 58 off 41 balls, hitting seven fours and a six, as Mumbai chased down 152 in 18.4 overs to secure a seven-wicket win.
JEMIMAH PUTS INJURY SETBACK BEHIND HER
The two innings mark an encouraging start to competitive cricket after a difficult period on the sidelines. Jemimah recently declared herself fit after completing three months of rehabilitation for a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred on August 3.
The injury was subsequently diagnosed as a high-grade tear in her right hamstring by the BCCI medical team. It forced her to miss the Women's T20 Asia Cup, the Asian Games and India's home white-ball series against Zimbabwe.
Her return to form is particularly significant given her importance to India's middle order. The right-hander will be keen to make the most of the remaining domestic matches and carry her confidence into the international season.
Having missed three important assignments during her rehabilitation, the Senior Women's T20 Trophy provides her with an opportunity to regain rhythm and get valuable game time before the South Africa challenge.
India are scheduled to tour South Africa from December 9 to 30 for a multi-format series comprising one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour will begin with the Test in Gqeberha, followed by the ODI leg and three T20Is. The BCCI is yet to announce India's squad for the tour.