New Delhi: Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has become the target of religious abuse on social media following her match-winning performance in the World Cup semi-final. After her unbeaten 127 against Australia on October 30, when she thanked Jesus Christ during her post-match presentation and quoted a Bible verse, social media users began targeting her with offensive comments.
What Happened After the Semi-Final?
At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah guided India to their third World Cup final. After the match, she became extremely emotional and said,
I want to thank Jesus – I could not do this on my own. I want to thank my mom, dad, coach and every single person who believed in me.”
However, some social media users criticized her strike rate and made derogatory remarks about her religious beliefs. The trolling intensified when users wrote, “You will never find a better dramatist than these Jesusists.” Some commentators called out what they termed “Christianophobia.”
Old Controversy Resurfaces
In 2024, allegations were leveled against Jemimah’s father, Ivan Rodrigues, for allegedly conducting religious conversion activities at Mumbai’s famous Khar Gymkhana. Following these allegations, the club canceled her membership. Hindutva commentators pounced on the decision, leading a relentless vilification campaign. Some even called for her to be gang-raped.
After her semi-final heroics, these old controversies were dredged up again on social media by certain users attempting to discredit her achievement.
Cricket Community Rallies Behind Her
Jemimah’s response was quiet but powerful. When she raised her bat after a masterful 127 against Australia, the roar wasn’t just about cricket. It was catharsis — the collective sigh of a nation that had once mocked her, doubted her, and dragged her name through the mud, now forced to rise and applaud.
According to various media reports, cricket fans, journalists, and former players have strongly condemned the religious targeting of Rodrigues. Many have taken to social media to support her, emphasizing that athletes should be judged solely on their talent and contribution to the sport, not their personal beliefs.
Today’s World Cup Final
On Sunday, November 2, India is facing South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final in Navi Mumbai. India batted first and posted 298 runs, the second-highest total in a World Cup final. Shafali Verma scored 87 and Deepti Sharma made a half-century.
Jemimah Rodrigues is a prodigy from Bandra who transitioned from hockey to cricket. She was dropped from the team in 2022 and faced online trolling, but she turned to her faith, prayer, and close family circle to stay emotionally strong and make a comeback.
This incident once again highlights the toxic environment where Indian athletes are judged based on their religious identity rather than their sporting achievements, which has been widely condemned as unacceptable and harmful to the spirit of sport.Retry
Also Read | Cricket Legends Hail Team India’s Historic Win Over Australia, Praise Jemimah’s Match-Winning Innings
