Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has promised to perform a duet with Jemimah Rodrigues if the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side ends up lifting the coveted ICC Women's World Cup 2025 trophy.
The hosts sealed a place in the final by pulling off the biggest run chase in the history of women’s cricket during the semi-final clash against seven-time champions Australia at DY Patil Stadium on Thursday (October 30).
Notably, Gavaskar and Jemimah had performed the ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ song during the 2024 BCCI Awards. While Jemimah had the guitar in hand, the 1983 World Cup winner lent vocals. The former India captain now wants do the same if Jemimah is comfortable with it after winning the World Cup.
Speaking about Jemimah, the 25-year-old slammed her maiden World Cup century (127* off 134 ball), helping India overhaul the daunting target of 339 runs in the semi-final with five wickets and nine deliveries to spare.
As a result, India will now take on South Africa in the title clash on Sunday (November 2) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
"All I can say, if India win the World Cup, she and I, if she is okay to do that, we will sing a song together. She with the guitar and I will sing a song. We did that in the BCCI awards some time back," Gavaskar told India Today.
“There was a band who were playing there, so we decided to let's go and do something. We sang a song. She was on her guitar; she plays it very well. If India win, if she's happy to do that with an old man, I am up for it,” he added.
Gavaskar also acknowledged Jemimah's contribution in the field, saying her effort helped India restrict Australia under the 350-run mark.
“She has got some experience. She has also played in overseas leagues. She has played in the Big Bash and the Hundred. She knows how to build the innings. She has the experience, and we all know, she has had the ability,” said Gavaskar.
“Please do not forget what she did in the field. She did two fantastic run-outs. While we are all going gaga about her innings with the bat, do not forget her contributions in the field. India could have been chasing 350, who knows,” he remarked.
During her knock, Jemimah Rodrigues shared a 167-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. While the fell after scoring 89 off 88 balls, Jemimah stayed till the end to take India over the line.
