In a heartwarming gesture that reminds us why sportsmanship extends far beyond the boundary ropes, India's 2025 Women's ODI World Cup hero Jemimah Rodrigues has gifted her childhood coach Prashant Shetty a brand-new SUV. The 25-year-old middle-order batter, who played a pivotal role in the Women in Blue's historic triumph, made the generous presentation on Sunday, proving that true champions never forget those who helped shape their journey.
Rodrigues' thoughtful act follows in the footsteps of some of cricket's biggest names. In 2014, Virat Kohli famously gifted his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma a car on Teachers' Day, a story later revealed in a 2016 biography. Similarly, the Pandya brothers—Hardik and Krunal—provided their mentor Jitendra Singh with substantial financial support totaling nearly Rs 70-80 lakh, including a car purchase. These gestures highlight a beautiful tradition in Indian cricket: giving back to the coaches who lay the foundation for greatness.
Shetty's bond with Rodrigues goes back nearly two decades. When a nine-year-old Jemimah first walked into the MIG Cricket Club with her father Ivan—himself a mechanical engineer and cricket coach—Shetty immediately recognized her potential. "After seeing a glimpse of her talent, I decided to enrol her in our academy," he later recalled, noting the only challenge was the distance from her home in Bandra to the club.
That challenge never stopped Rodrigues. For 16 years, she has trained under Shetty's watchful eye, and even now, as a World Cup winner, she continues to hone her skills with him. Just this Saturday, she underwent a practice session at Shetty's newly launched 'Kkalpavriksha Cricket Clinic' in Bandra—a fitting location for the next chapter of their partnership.
Rodrigues' journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. Her unbeaten 76 against New Zealand in a crucial group-stage match showcased her composure under pressure, but it was her match-winning 127 off 134 balls against Australia in the semifinals at the DY Patil Stadium that truly announced her arrival on the biggest stage. Those performances weren't just personal milestones—they were the culmination of years of dedication from both player and coach.
Looking ahead, Rodrigues' schedule remains packed. She'll soon leave for Bengaluru to join the India women's team preparatory camp at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, running from May 10 to 16. From there, it's off to England for a three-match T20I series, followed by the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in June-July. As she prepares for these challenges, she carries with her the lessons and support of a coach who believed in her from the very beginning.
This story resonates beyond cricket—it's a reminder that success in sports, as in life, is rarely achieved alone. Whether you're a young athlete dreaming big or a fan cheering from the stands, the bond between player and coach is one of sport's most beautiful relationships. And for Rodrigues and Shetty, that bond is now rolling on four wheels.