Sunil Gavaskar vows special tribute to Jemimah Rodrigues if India wins the Women’s World Cup 2025 final against South Africa

India’s women’s cricket team stands on the brink of history after scripting one of the most remarkable ODI chases ever witnessed. Their five-wicket triumph over Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal at DY Patil Stadium has become a defining moment for the sport. The victory was built on resilience, determination, and belief, qualities that have characterized this squad throughout the tournament. The dressing room atmosphere was electric yet grounded, with players embracing each other after sealing the win. The match didn’t just mark a cricketing milestone; it was an emotional statement of intent. India’s road to the final has captured the nation’s imagination, uniting fans, players, and former legends in shared pride.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur lead India to a record-breaking chase against Australia

Jemimah Rodrigues delivered one of the greatest knocks in Indian cricket history, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 127 that combined patience with audacity. Her partnership of 167 runs with captain Harmanpreet Kaur dismantled Australia’s aura of invincibility, turning a daunting 339-run target into a moment of national euphoria. Jemimah, who had battled self-doubt after being left out of the squad earlier, showcased remarkable mental strength and composure under pressure. Harmanpreet’s aggressive intent complemented Rodrigues’ calm precision, as India maintained control throughout the middle overs. The partnership didn’t just win a semifinal; it redefined India’s ability to chase under pressure in global tournaments. When Jemimah raised her bat after striking the winning runs, the roar from Navi Mumbai symbolized more than victory, it was redemption and resurgence, all rolled into one unforgettable evening.

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Sunil Gavaskar makes a heartwarming promise to Jemimah Rodrigues 

Watching the spectacle unfold, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar couldn’t contain his admiration for the young Indian team, especially Rodrigues’ composure and artistry. Later, while speaking on Sports Today, Gavaskar shared how deeply inspired he was by Jemimah’s innings and the team’s unflinching spirit. Recalling a light-hearted musical moment they shared during the 2024 BCCI Awards, he expressed a wish to recreate that joy if India goes all the way in the tournament. His words struck a chord across the cricketing world, symbolizing how India’s past legends continue to celebrate and uplift the new generation.

“If India win the World Cup, she and I-if she’s okay with it-will sing a song together. She’ll have her guitar, and I’ll sing along We actually did that once at one of the BCCI awards a couple of years back. There was a band playing, and we just decided to join in. She was on the guitar, and I sang with my whatever voice I have. But if India win, I would love to do it again-if she is happy to do that, happy to do that with an old man. I am all for it,” Gavaskar said.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.