Jemimah Rodrigues Injury: India Sweat Over Asia Cup Availability After Hundred Exit

Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of the ongoing Hundred after sustaining a hamstring injury. The setback is a major blow for Southern Brave, but it could also create concerns for India ahead of the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup.

Southern Brave confirmed on Saturday that Rodrigues will play no further part in the tournament after picking up the injury. The franchise has brought in Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as her replacement for the remainder of the competition.

“We can confirm that due to an injury suffered by Jemimah Rodrigues, we’ve signed Charli Knott as our injury replacement for the remainder of The Hundred. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jemi,” Southern Brave posted on X.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ Strong Hundred Campaign Cut Short

Rodrigues joined Southern Brave as a direct signing for £60,000, around US$80,000, and had been among their most consistent performers in the competition.

The India batter scored 143 runs from six innings, helping Southern Brave put together a strong campaign. The team currently sits joint-top of the Women’s Hundred standings with Trent Rockets on 20 points, although the Rockets occupy first place because of their superior net run rate.

Rodrigues’ absence will leave Southern Brave without one of their key batters for the remainder of the tournament.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ Asia Cup Availability in Doubt

The extent of Rodrigues’ hamstring injury is yet to be determined, leaving uncertainty over whether her withdrawal is purely precautionary.

Southern Brave may have opted to avoid risking further damage and allow the India batter sufficient time to recover fully. India will begin their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign against Thailand in Dubai on August 30, giving Rodrigues 22 days to recover and prove her fitness.

Her availability could be particularly important for India, given her role as a key middle-order batter. The team management is expected to closely monitor her recovery before making a final decision regarding her participation.

India and Pakistan in Same Group

India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand, Hong Kong and China. The teams will play each other once during the group stage, with the top two sides progressing to the semi-finals.

Rodrigues’ fitness will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as India prepare for their opening game against Thailand.

Sri Lanka Defend Women’s T20 Asia Cup Title

Defending champions Sri Lanka are in Group B with Bangladesh, the UAE and Indonesia.

The semi-finals are scheduled for September 10 and 11, with the final set to be played on September 13.

India’s Dominance in the Asia Cup

India are the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Asia Cup, having won the title seven times.

Four of those victories came in the ODI format, while India have won three T20 editions, in 2012, 2016 and 2022.

Sri Lanka enter the tournament as defending champions, while Bangladesh won the title in 2018.

For India, Rodrigues’ fitness will now be one of the key talking points ahead of the tournament. The team will hope that the talented batter can recover in time and strengthen the middle order for their Asia Cup campaign.