Jemimah Rodrigues on Fitness, Periods, and the Pressure of Pro Cricket: 'The Most Challenging Part is Managing the Mental Side'
Jemimah Rodrigues, a household name in Indian women's cricket, is a force to be reckoned with on the field, and her dedication to the sport is unwavering, even when faced with the challenges of her period. In an exclusive email interview with indianexpress.com, Rodrigues opens up about her journey, the mental pressures of being a sportsperson, the importance of fitness, and her diet plan.
Managing Period Stress-Free on the Field
Q: You've said, 'When you're batting for your country, the last thing you want is to worry about your periods.' But have you ever had to miss practice, matches, or sessions because of your periods?
A: "Yes, especially in the early stages of my career. Cramps, fatigue, and the discomfort that comes with periods made training difficult, and I had to listen to my body. I've learned that it's okay to slow down or take a step back if needed. Now, I ensure that managing my period doesn't add to the stress. Some days, you push, and some days, you rest, and both are acceptable."
Breaking the Taboo: Learning About Menstruation
Q: Periods are still a taboo topic, with many women adhering to restrictions at home. When and how did you learn about menstruation?
A: "Like many girls in India, menstruation wasn't something openly discussed during my upbringing. It was treated as a private matter, often surrounded by silence and discomfort. You're told what to do but not always why, which can be confusing. Over time, especially as I grew older and spent more time in sports, I began to understand the importance of open conversations about periods."
Q: Have you ever faced incidents like staining or being told not to do, eat, or touch something while on your period?
A: "I've been fortunate, but like most girls, I've heard stories from friends, classmates, and teammates about restrictions and awkward moments related to periods. Things like avoiding certain foods, activities, or even spaces during that time. Even when not said directly, there's often an unspoken discomfort around periods. That's why I feel it's crucial to normalize these conversations. Periods shouldn't be accompanied by fear, embarrassment, or unnecessary rules."
Supporting Teammates Through Period Pain
Q: You mentioned seeing teammates struggle with period pain, with some unable to walk. How does this affect crucial matches or practice days?
A: "On crucial days, period pain can be challenging for teammates. I've witnessed intense cramps making it hard for them to move freely or stay focused. In such moments, communication and support are key. Teammates speak up about their feelings, coaches and physios help adjust workloads, and everyone does what they can comfortably. It's perfectly fine to take it easy on your period and not push yourself into heavy physical activity if you're not up for it."
Whisper's Role in Empowering Athletes
Q: Tell us about your association with Whisper and why you feel such a product can be beneficial for women who play sports.
A: "My association with Whisper is about empowering girls and women to move freely, even on period days. As an athlete, I need period protection that doesn't distract or slow me down. That's why I choose the Whisper Period Panty: it provides 360-degree protection, feels comfortable like regular underwear, and supports me through training, match days, travel, and off-field activities. For women who play sports, it's especially helpful, allowing us to focus on what we love without worrying about leaks, stains, or constant adjustments."
Fitness and Diet Routine
Q: As an athlete, you need to be on top of your fitness game. What does your everyday workout routine include?
A: "As a professional cricketer, fitness is integral to my routine. I balance skill sessions with fitness work. Some days focus on strength, conditioning, running, and gym sessions, while others are centered around batting, fielding, and match simulations. Whether working independently or with the team, we take a structured approach to avoid overdoing any aspect and give our best overall. Along with training, I prioritize sleep, nutrition, and recovery, which helps me stay agile, hit the ball longer, and feel confident going into matches."
Q: Food plays an equally important role. What's on your plate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
A: "I try to keep my diet balanced. Breakfast is usually light and energizing, with fruits, smoothies, or homemade green juice to stay hydrated and start the day well. Lunch and dinner are all about balance, with proteins, vegetables, and carbs to fuel training and recovery. I don't believe in cutting out foods I enjoy, and I think enjoying food is just as important as eating right. It's about listening to my body and finding a balance."
Managing Mental Pressure
Q: What's the most challenging aspect of being a sportsperson today?
A: "For me, the most challenging part is managing the mental side of the game. Pressure, expectations, and inconsistency can be tough battles in your head. Learning to stay confident, keep perspective, and not let pressure take away the joy of playing is a constant focus. These challenges teach resilience and help you grow, not just as an athlete but as a person."
Q: How do you maintain your mental well-being amid high pressure, criticism, bad performance, injuries, and losses? Any tips for aspiring sportspersons, especially women?
A: "There have been moments when it felt overwhelming. What's helped me is being honest about my feelings and leaning on my support network – family, teammates, and friends – instead of dealing with everything alone. I focus on the process rather than the outcome. Showing up each day and doing the work matters more than chasing perfection. To aspiring sportspersons, especially women, I say it's okay to feel vulnerable, ask for help, and prioritize your mental health."
Rest and Recovery Before Crucial Matches
Q: Rest days are crucial, especially before a crucial match. What do these periods look like for you, and how do you prepare for the next day?
A: "Rest and recovery are essential, especially before a crucial game. I keep things simple: good sleep, proper meals, and listening to my body to feel fresh the next day. I don't like to overthink before matches. A light net session to get a feel for things, followed by relaxation, helps a lot."
Jemimah Rodrigues' story is a testament to the power of openness and self-care in the world of sports, where managing one's period can be a significant challenge, but with the right support and mindset, athletes can thrive.
