Jemimah Rodrigues opens up on dealing with anxiety during Women’s World Cup, Deepika Padukone thanks her for ‘sharing’ her story | Bollywood News

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues created magic on Thursday with her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls during the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against Australia, helping India secure a stunning victory. But it was what followed the match that truly moved people — Jemimah’s emotional revelation about her struggle with anxiety, which later drew heartfelt praise from actor Deepika Padukone.
Speaking to the media after the match, Jemimah said: “I will be very vulnerable here because I know if someone is watching this, they might be going through the same thing. That’s my whole purpose of saying it — because nobody likes to talk about their weakness.”
She went on to share that the initial phase of the tournament had been mentally challenging.
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“I was going through a lot of anxiety at the start of the tournament. Even before some matches, I used to call my mum and cry — cry the entire time — just to let it all out. When you are going through anxiety, you feel numb. You don’t know what to do. You’re trying to be yourself. During that time, my mum and dad supported me a lot.”
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The young cricketer also credited her teammates for standing her. “Arundhati Reddy saw me crying every day. Later, I joked with her saying, ‘Don’t come in front of me, I’ll start crying again!’ But she checked on me every single day. And there was Smriti (Mandhana), who helped me too. She knew what I was going through. During a few net sessions, she would just stand there silently — she didn’t say much, but she knew her presence mattered to me.”
Jemimah added, “Radha (Yadav) was also always there, taking care of me. I am so blessed to have friends I can call family. I didn’t have to go through it alone — and it’s okay to ask for help. My mum is as emotional as I am, and my family went through a lot too. But they all stood me and believed in me when I didn’t, when I couldn’t.”Story continues below this ad
Deepika Padukone thanks Jemimah’s vulnerability
A clip of Jemimah Rodrigues’s emotional post-match interview soon went viral, catching the attention of actor Deepika Padukone, who shared it on her Instagram Stories.
Deepika Padukone’s Instagram Stories.
Deepika wrote, “Thank you Jemimah for your vulnerability and for sharing your story…” Her message was accompanied a folded-hands emoji.
Deepika’s advocacy for mental health
Deepika Padukone has been one of India’s most vocal mental health advocates. Having spoken openly about her own battle with depression, she founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation, which works to spread awareness and provide mental health support.
In a previous interview with CNBC-TV18, Deepika had expressed her vision for mental health awareness in India, saying, “My dream for mental health in India is what gully cricket is to India.”