Communal Trolls Target Jemimah Rodrigues Amid Women’s World Cup

New Delhi, November 4, 2025: The Indian women’s cricket team secured their maiden ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 title after defeating South Africa Women by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. 

The match capped off a historic campaign in which India achieved the highest successful run-chase in Women’s ODI World Cup historyc during the semi-final. 

At the heart of that landmark victory stood Jemimah Rodrigues, who unleashed a match-winning unbeaten 127 against seven-time champions Australia Women in the semi-final, steering India to a five-wicket win and into the final. “Firstly, I want to thank Jesus. I couldn’t do this on my own; I know he carried me through today,” Rodrigues said after the game. 

Despite her stellar performance and public expression of faith, several social-media users and verified accounts mocked her Christian identity, posting messages such as “Jesus didn’t help today?” and “Jesus is on holiday today.” The abuse drew attention to the intersection of sport, faith and intolerance in Indian society. 

The offensive campaign had prior roots: last year, Rodrigues lost her honorary membership at a prominent Mumbai club after allegations linked to her father and “conversion” activities—a claim the club’s president later denied. The incidents highlight the deep-seated prejudices that persist even amid national triumph.

Source and Image Credits: The Quint