Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues are the two Indian batters who performed well and excelled in their games in the recently going series against Australian women. These two young cricketers, in the opinion of former cricket player Saba Karim, will lead Indian cricket to new heights in the future.
Australia defeated India by six wickets in the second T20I match played at Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Richa Ghosh (23) and Jemimah Rodrigues (13) were unable to contribute significantly. Still, in the two home series against Australia and England, the two young players have been among the most reliable for the Women in Blue in all formats.
Jemimah Rodrigues made half-centuries in the first innings of India’s Test triumphs over Australia and England. In the ODI series against Australia, Mumbaikar compiled the highest run total for India with 151 runs in three innings at a fantastic average of 50.33 and a remarkable strike rate of 94.96.
Jemimah Rodrigues is becoming a pillar in the middle order- Saba Karim
Saba Karim was questioned about Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh’ home season performances at a conversation on Sports 18. He further added that these two youngsters will lead the Indian women’s team to new heights. Karim highlighted that Richa has improved a lot in her keeping and worked a lot on her technique and approach to batting.
“These two youngsters will create a new era for the Indian women’s team. I feel, based on whatever matches I have seen, Richa Ghosh has been the find of the season. We have seen improvement in keeping and she is playing shots with the proper technique and approach in batting,” said Saba Karim.
The former India wicketkeeper-batter praised Richa’s aggressive style but also said that Jemimah has become a more complete player. He went on to say that Jemimah has added more strokes to her game, and because of that, she has become a vital player in the middle order.
“She has shown an aggressive approach and because of that, you can use her anywhere, as a floater or a stable No. 3 or No. 4. Jemimah Rodrigues is becoming a pillar in the middle order. She has added more strokes to her repertoire. Sweep has always been her favorite shot but she has started to score straight as well,” he explained.
Richa Ghosh doesn’t throw her wicket and that’s the good thing about her- Reema Malhotra
When Richa played her first Test match against Australia, she scored 52 runs in the opening innings. In the second One-Day International against the same opponents, she scored 96 runs off 117 deliveries as wickets fell on the other end. She was unable to prevent India from losing by just three runs, though.
Richa Ghosh received accolades from Reema Malhotra for her responsible demeanor. She added that Richa played a 96-run inning but missed a well-deserved century.
“The good thing about her (Richa) is that she doesn’t throw her wicket. If you see in the ODIs as well, she scored 96 in the second ODI. She deserved a hundred although she couldn’t get one,” said Reema Malhotra
The former all-rounder for India continued by saying that the wicketkeeper-batter is receiving greater returns because she is now more aware of her abilities.
“However, the shot selection was better. She was seen playing along the ground and playing shots all over the park. She understood her game. When a batter understands her strengths and what she has to avoid, her game flourishes,” she explained.