New Delhi: Amid the celebrations of India’s maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 title, some social-media users chose to cast a shadow over the historic achievement. The Indian women’s cricket team defeated South Africa Women by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, capping a campaign marked by record-breaking performances and remarkable resilience.
Central to India’s success was Jemimah Rodrigues, whose unbeaten 127 against seven-time champions Australia Women in the semi-final propelled India to a five-wicket win and secured their place in the final. Speaking after the semi-final, Rodrigues credited her faith for her performance, saying, “Firstly, I want to thank Jesus. I couldn’t do this on my own; I know he carried me through today.”
However, Rodrigues’ public expression of faith provoked a wave of communal trolling on social media. Several users and even verified accounts targeted her Christian identity, posting derogatory comments such as “Jesus didn’t help today?” and “Jesus is on holiday today.” The online abuse has reignited debates on the intersection of sport, religion, and intolerance in India, raising questions about societal tolerance even in moments of national pride.
The backlash is not an isolated occurrence in Rodrigues’ life. Last year, she lost her honorary membership at a prominent Mumbai club following unsubstantiated allegations linked to her father and supposed “conversion” activities a claim that the club’s president later publicly refuted. These incidents underscore the persistent prejudices faced by minority athletes, even when representing India on the global stage.
Cricket analysts and social commentators have noted that Rodrigues’ performance was pivotal not only for India’s historic World Cup run but also as a symbol of perseverance amid societal pressures. Her innings in the semi-final and consistent displays throughout the tournament have inspired many young athletes, particularly women from minority communities, to pursue their sporting dreams despite adversity.
While the team celebrated on the field, the trolling has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for promoting inclusivity and respect in Indian sports culture. Rodrigues’ situation illustrates that national achievement alone does not shield athletes from discrimination, and it has sparked calls for social media platforms and authorities to take stronger measures against communal abuse online.
Despite the negativity, Jemimah Rodrigues remains a celebrated figure in Indian cricket. Her faith, resilience, and extraordinary talent have cemented her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s cricket, proving that excellence on the field can coexist with personal conviction, even in the face of societal intolerance.