Jemimah Rodrigues Honors Childhood Coach Prashant Shetty with New SUV
Indian middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues has gifted a brand-new SUV to her childhood coach, Prashant Shetty. The gesture recognizes a 20-year mentoring relationship that began when Rodrigues was nine years old and continues as she prepares for the upcoming international schedule.
A Two-Decade Training Partnership
Rodrigues began her cricket journey at the MIG Cricket Club in Bandra. Brought to the facility by her father and early coach, Ivan Rodrigues, she initially faced an administrative hurdle because the club only operated a boys’ academy. Shetty, a former club player and established coach, identified her potential during initial assessments and successfully lobbied the club administration to grant her special admission.
Today, the 25-year-old cricketer continues to refine her technique under Shetty’s supervision. She recently completed practice sessions at his newly launched Kkalpavriksha Cricket Clinic in Bandra before departing for national duty. Shetty remains a prominent figure in Mumbai cricket, currently serving as the head coach of the Thane Skyrisers in the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Women’s T20 League. According to ESPNcricinfo records, his active trainee roster also includes Delhi Capitals batter Prithvi Shaw and Chennai Super Kings prospect Ayush Mhatre.
Precedents in Indian Cricket
Rodrigues joins a specific group of Indian international cricketers who have publicly rewarded their childhood mentors with substantial gifts. Structured financial and material support from players to early-career coaches has established a documented pattern within the Indian cricket system.
- Virat Kohli: Gifted a car to his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma on Teachers’ Day in 2014.
- Hardik and Krunal Pandya: Provided their early coach Jitendra Singh with a car and direct financial assistance totaling up to Rs 80 lakh.
World Cup Impact and Upcoming Schedule
The gift follows Rodrigues’ central role in India’s 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup victory. Operating as an anchor in the middle order, she recorded significant high-pressure innings during the tournament’s knockout stages.
2025 Women’s ODI World Cup Key Performances
| Opponent | Score | Match Stage | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 76 Not Out | Group Stage | – |
| Australia | 127 Not Out (134 balls) | Semifinal | DY Patil Stadium |
Rodrigues is now shifting focus to the game’s shortest format. She is scheduled to join the Indian women’s preparatory camp at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from May 10 to May 16. Following the domestic conditioning camp, the squad will travel to England for a three-match T20I bilateral series. This series serves as the final competitive preparation phase ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June and July.