‘We've come close in past, want to make things right’

From waiting in Mumbai airport's arrival lounge to welcome the 2017 ODI World Cup runners-up, Jemimah Rodrigues has become a key middle-order batter as India go into a new campaign starting on Tuesday chasing their first global title. In this interview with HT, the 25-year-old talks about the process of adjusting the middle-order role, the excitement of playing her first 50-overs World Cup and taking over as Red Bull brand ambassador from teammate Smriti Mandhana.

- Rasesh Mandani

Excerpts

How have you prepared for your first ODI World Cup?

I have played in four T20 World Cups, so I am used to pressure. But this is still a first in ODI cricket. I am ready for it and really excited because it's a home World Cup. Preparations have been great. The girls are excited. We have our plans in place. Waiting for the big day. The ODI World Cup has its space in the calendar because you have to wait four years. This makes it even more special. In the past, we have come very close, especially in 2017. We can make things right and hopefully hold that trophy.

How is the challenge of shifting to the middle order?