Jemimah Rodrigues has already tasted the biggest prize in women’s cricket, but the India batter is hungry for more. After playing a starring role in India’s historic ODI World Cup triumph last year, Rodrigues has now set her sights on another piece of history, the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, which will be played next year from February 14 to 28, 2027.
India lifted their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title in November 2025, beating South Africa by 52 runs in the final in Navi Mumbai. Rodrigues was one of the standout performers in India’s memorable campaign, most notably producing a stunning unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final.
With that success still fresh in the team’s memory, Rodrigues believes India’s hunger to win has only grown stronger.
“We’ve tasted success once, and we know what it feels like to be at the top. The more you taste it, the more you want to be there. So, I think our team is working towards that, and yes, the Champions Trophy is going to be very special,” Jemimah said while speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Follow the Blues’.
“It’s happening for the first time ever in women’s cricket, and I’ll be a part of it for the first time as well, so it’ll be pretty special, and I’m really looking forward to it. I think mindset-wise, nothing changes. At the end of the day, it’s about the team and how to make the team win, and that always stays,” Jemimah added.
FROM WORLD CUP GLORY TO ANOTHER HISTORIC CHALLENGE
The ICC has shifted the window for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy from June-July to a two-week period in February 2027. Sri Lanka will host the tournament, which will be played in the T20 format, giving India another opportunity to compete for an ICC title on the back of their World Cup success.
However, before she can turn her attention fully towards the Champions Trophy, Rodrigues has been handed an untimely fitness setback. The India batter was ruled out of the remainder of The Hundred after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Southern Brave.
Rodrigues had made an impressive start to the competition, scoring 143 runs in six innings at an average of 35.75 and a strike rate of 131.19. Southern Brave subsequently brought in Australia’s Charli Knott as her replacement.
The injury has also put her participation in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in doubt. The tournament is scheduled to begin on August 28, with India set to open their campaign against Thailand on August 30. With limited time to recover, Rodrigues now faces a race against the clock to regain full fitness.
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