Jemimah’s travails touch community chord as Kolkata prays for the Blues
Times of India | 2 November 2025
Kolkata:
's emotional outburst after India's sensational semi-final win touched a chord among the city's Christian community. They are now praying for Rodrigues and her team's victory in the final.
On Thursday night, Rodrigues powered India to one of the greatest chases in women's cricket to reach the ICC ODI World Cup final. With this victory, she became emotional and referred to a Bible verse — "Stand still and God will fight for you" — stating that faith led to her magical knock against Australia.
Hours after the match-winning innings, Derek O'Brien, Trinamool's leader in the Rajya Sabha, took to social media.
He posted the video of the cricketer's speech and stated, "Nationality: Indian. Well done Team India and Jemimah."
Rodrigues's achievement brought cheers to the members of the Christian community in the city. Fr Moloy D'Costa, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, said: "It is clear from Rodrigues's performance that she had a strong conviction about the game she was playing. She kept faith in God and took the team to the semi-final.
In whatever situation she was playing the game, she relied on God. She had the blessings of everyone.
We are praying for her victory in the final as well."
Moderator of the Church of North India, Bishop Paritosh Canning, added: "Her expression of gratitude to Jesus and her quotation from the Holy Bible provides a powerful message of hope and encouragement to millions. It is a beautiful reminder that in moments of personal anxiety and exhaustion, faith can be a deep well of strength and calm."
"It's to her credit that she was brave enough to speak out strongly about what she believes in. Our Constitution encourages each one of us to freely practise our own beliefs. We definitely need more Jemimahs in India today," said former MLA and educationist Gillian Hart.
A senior MP, who is Christian, said: "I am in awe of this young champion. This is the time to ‘Speak Up' for your beliefs fearlessly. Hope her example will inspire bishops and the church leadership to fight the good fight and lead by example."
Another educator, Leslie D'Gama, said, "When I read that Jemimah credited her stellar performance to her faith in the Lord, I felt proud. Here is someone speaking from the heart about belief."
Natasha Gasper, a young member from the community, now looks forward to her another stellar performance. She said, "Her gratitude and humility reflected not just the true spirit of India, but also her deep faith and roots."