As India continue their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, star batter Jemimah Rodrigues has underlined the importance of adaptability and team-first thinking. With the team currently engaged in a crucial T20I series against England, management is using the opportunity to test different combinations and roles, ensuring the squad is well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead.
The ongoing series has already seen changes in India’s batting order, with Rodrigues taking on different responsibilities depending on the team’s requirements. Despite the adjustments, the experienced batter has made it clear that she is comfortable batting anywhere in the lineup as long as her role is clearly defined.
Jemimah Rodrigues on her batting position
Over the last few months, Rodrigues has been deployed in multiple positions. She batted at No. 3 during India’s T20I assignments against Australia and South Africa earlier this year. However, in the opening two matches against England, she was asked to bat at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively.
Rather than viewing the changes as a challenge, Rodrigues sees them as an opportunity to contribute in different situations. She emphasized that understanding her role is more important than the number next to her name on the batting card.
Speaking about the team’s experimentation phase, Rodrigues said she is comfortable across batting positions and believes the current period is ideal for testing various combinations before the World Cup. According to her, the focus remains on identifying the best balance for the side while ensuring every player gains valuable match experience.
“I think I’m comfortable at all positions. In the end, it is important for me to have clarity. And when I have clarity about a certain role, I know I can go out there and deliver. Now is the time where we have few more games to experiment about what’s the best combination that’s working for the team,” said Rodrigues as quoted by ICC.
The flexibility shown by Rodrigues reflects India’s broader strategy of building a versatile lineup capable of adapting to different match situations and conditions during the global tournament.
India’s team-first approach ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
The Indian team management appears keen to explore all available options before finalizing its strongest combination for the World Cup. The England series offers a competitive environment where players can be assessed in different roles against quality opposition. Such experimentation not only helps the coaching staff evaluate combinations but also allows players to become comfortable in unfamiliar situations. With modern T20 cricket demanding adaptability, India are looking to create a squad that can adjust quickly when required.
Rodrigues’ willingness to move around the order highlights the positive mindset within the camp, where individual preferences are taking a backseat to the team’s long-term goals.
Rodrigues lauds Yastika Bhatia’s inspiring comeback
One of the biggest positives for India during the series has been the return of Yastika Bhatia. The left-handed batter recently rejoined the national setup after spending nearly two years away due to injury. Rodrigues spoke highly of Bhatia’s comeback, describing her presence as a major boost for the squad. She noted that the England series is providing Bhatia with much-needed game time and praised the determination she has shown after such a lengthy absence.
Bhatia made an immediate impact by scoring 54 runs in her first game after returning to international cricket. Rodrigues highlighted that such a performance demonstrated immense character and resilience, especially after enduring a long rehabilitation period.
“Yastika was not with us lately because of her injury. So this is the only game time that she’s also getting. For us to have her here is a great advantage. We saw what she did in the first game, the way she batted. To come out after injury and do such a thing, it takes a lot of character.” added Rodrigues.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
