Working on increasing my bat speed to hit big shots: Jemimah Rodrigues

To make up for "lack of strength", India opener Jemimah Rodrigues is working on increasing her bat speed, which, she hopes, will aid in hitting big shots in upcoming Women's T20 World Cup.

lively 19-year-old is also striving to hone her backfoot skills ahead of marquee event, starting in Australia next month.

READ: 'Should I go to PM Imran Khan?', Kamran Akmal questions PCB after selection snub

'I'm working more on my back foot': Jemimah Rodrigues

"I'm working more on my back foot, developing my back foot more and trying to increase my bat speed. Because looking at my size, you can make out I don't have that much strength to hit sixes ... but I've been working on that for quite some time," said Jemimah in a 'Road To T20 World Cup' podcast.
 

Since making her international debut in 2018, she has consistently put in commendable performances to established herself as a key member of team.India take on defending champions Australia in opening game of tournament in Sydney on February 21, and youngster believes her side will have to be mentally strong against hosts.

READ: MAU vs PPT Dream11 Team prediction, top picks and match updates

"I think when it comes to Australia, you got to be best or you can't play. That's kind of team y are. My favourite team to play against is also Australia. It's more of a mind game than just skills (when you play m on field)," Jemimah said. Ahead of World Cup, India are playing a tri-nation meet also featuring hosts Australia and England from January 31.

"Aussies are naturally dominating and if you hold back a bit, y will sit on your head and t let you come up. So if you want to face m or do well against m, you got to bring your best game. You got to raise your standards," she said.  Indian is expecting a good turut in Australia for Indian team, which will help boost side's confidence.

youngster on Indian supporters

"Wherever we go we get Indian followers and supporters so we never feel away from home. We will be expecting a lot of crowd and that will be a boost for us."We get pumped up when we see m cheering for us. It's a different energy that comes out. re is a different kind of positivity to it."

Jemimah, who will be playing her first World Cup, is looking forward to playing in final of tournament, which will mark an important milestone in her life."As a young kid, I have always dreamed about playing World Cup and t just playing, but doing well. And that too in packed stadiums. And this hasn't happened to me so far, I wasn't re in 2017 World Cup.I can't put it in words, how important it will be for me to be a part of Indian team that plays in a World Cup final. It's quite exciting. I'm really looking forward to it," she said. 

READ: Ranji Trophy: Manipur's 27 all out becomes 2nd lowest total of tournament since 1980

READ: MAU vs MAD Dream11 prediction, top picks, schedule and all match details

 (Im Courtesy: PTI)