BIPIN DANI
In a world that worships achievements and applause, Jemimah Rodrigues chose something far rarer—loyalty without cameras, friendship without conditions, and compassion that mattered more than any scoreboard.
In cricket, sacrifice is often measured in runs scored or wickets taken. Yet sometimes, the most powerful act happens away from the pitch.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ recent decision has struck a chord far beyond the boundary ropes. Smriti Mandhana’s wedding, expected to be a joyous celebration, did not take place as scheduled. The reasons remain private, but the emotional weight was undeniable. At that moment, Jemimah chose not cricket, not headlines, but her friend. She stepped away from a global league to stand beside Smriti — not as a teammate chasing glory, but as someone who understood that presence can matter more than performance.
Her choice was rooted in empathy. Jemimah sensed that Smriti didn’t need another congratulatory message or a distant phone call; she needed someone to share the silence, to absorb the uncertainty, to remind her she wasn’t alone. And Jemimah gave her exactly that.
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty praised Jemimah’s gesture, calling it “a beautiful reminder that true strength lies in humanity and friendship, not just in sporting achievements.” His words echoed the sentiment that sometimes the most courageous act is simply to stand by someone in their hour of need.
The Brisbane Heat, the team Jemimah stepped away from, also expressed admiration. In a statement, they said, “We respect Jemimah’s decision and the values it reflects. Cricket is important, but life and relationships are bigger. We are proud of her for choosing compassion.”
A few former women cricketers who know Jemimah and Smriti well declined to comment, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.
