Some friendships are built on years of memories, while others are captured in a single hug. For Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, there have been plenty of both. On Jemimah’s 26th birthday, Mandhana took fans down memory lane with a heartwarming video celebrating one of her closest teammates and friends.
Mandhana shared a fan-made edit featuring the emotional moment from the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup when she rushed to embrace Jemimah after the latter produced a sensational match-winning century against Australia.
The video also featured a touching moment from the WPL 2026 final, when Mandhana and Jemimah hugged each other despite leading opposing teams, underlining the bond they share away from the fierce competition on the field.
“Posting a fan edit on your birthday because you know I am not great at editing. Happy Birthday Jemuu, Wish you the best. Love you,” Smriti wrote.
Jemimah was quick to respond to the affectionate message, replying: “Thank you Smrituuuuu! Love you loadssss and miss you too.”
MORE THAN TEAMMATES, SISTERS THROUGH HIGHS AND LOWS
The relationship between Mandhana and Jemimah has often gone beyond the boundary ropes. They have celebrated each other’s successes, shared emotional moments and remained a source of support through difficult phases.
Their friendship was on full display during the WPL 2026 final. Mandhana captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru while Jemimah led Delhi Capitals, yet the rivalry disappeared as soon as the match ended. RCB eventually clinched a thrilling six-wicket victory, with Mandhana winning Player of the Match.
Jemimah, meanwhile, is currently away from the Women’s Asia Cup after being ruled out with an injury that she sustained while playing for Southern Brave in the Hundred. In her absence, Pratika Rawal has batted at No.3 after debuting against Thailand.
While Jemimah has been forced to watch from the sidelines, Mandhana has continued to rewrite the record books. The India opener recently smashed her second T20I century against Hong Kong and moved past Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 international runs. Jemimah was among those celebrating her friend’s achievement, calling Mandhana her “sister” and a “legend”.
Mandhana has been in stupendous form in the Asia Cup, playing a key role in India’s march to the semi-finals. She began the year on a high after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second WPL title, but endured disappointment at the T20 World Cup, where India failed to make the semi-finals.
For Jemimah, the focus will now be on making a speedy recovery and returning to action, with the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy next year likely to be a key target.
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