Mumbai witnessed a heartwarming crossover of cricket and music as legendary former India captain Sunil Gavaskar surprised India women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues with a unique, bat-shaped guitar and joined her for a promised jamming session on the eve of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) opener. The moment, rich in emotion and symbolism, brought together two generations of Indian cricket in a celebration that went beyond the boundary ropes.
The special meeting took place just hours before the start of the WPL season, adding a personal and joyous note to what is already a significant phase in Jemimah’s career. Gavaskar, revered for his technical mastery and deep understanding of the game, presented Jemimah with a customised guitar designed in the shape of a cricket bat — a thoughtful gift reflecting her identity as both a cricketer and a passionate singer.
As Jemimah unboxed the gift, her excitement was unmistakable. She admired the craftsmanship and laughed along as Gavaskar, in his trademark witty style, urged her to open the box, joking that he was not the “opening bat” for the day. The light-hearted exchange instantly set the tone for what became an unforgettable evening.
The roots of this moment trace back to India’s memorable Women’s World Cup campaign, where Jemimah played a defining role. Following India’s dramatic semi-final victory, Gavaskar, during a televised conversation, had made a promise that if the team went on to lift the trophy, he would sit down and jam with her. While India fell short in the final, the promise lingered — and Jemimah ensured it wasn’t forgotten.
At the Agenda AajTak conclave in December 2025, Jemimah playfully reminded everyone of Gavaskar’s assurance. Taking the stage, she showcased her singing talent to a cheering audience and remarked with a smile that she was still waiting for “Sunil sir” to honour his word. Her words resonated with fans, who were eager to see the legendary cricketer step into a musical role.
True to his reputation, Gavaskar delivered.
When Jemimah jokingly asked whether the bat-shaped guitar was meant to be strummed or used to score runs, Gavaskar responded with warmth and insight. He noted that even her batting carries a rhythm and elegance similar to music, adding that she could “do both” with the instrument. The comment perfectly captured the spirit of the evening — a blend of respect, admiration, and affection.
The highlight came when the duo finally sang together. Sitting side by side, Gavaskar and Jemimah broke into the evergreen “Yeh Dosti”, the iconic song from Sholay, originally sung by Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. The choice of song, symbolising camaraderie and shared journeys, felt particularly apt. Clips of the duet quickly made their way onto social media, drawing widespread praise for Gavaskar’s gesture and Jemimah’s infectious enthusiasm.
Sharing glimpses from the evening on Instagram, Jemimah wrote, “Sunil sir kept his promise and we ended up jamming with the coolest Bat-ar ever. This was a special one.” The post struck a chord with fans across generations, who lauded the mutual respect and warmth between the two.
The musical moment capped a remarkable phase in Jemimah’s cricketing journey. During the Women’s World Cup, she delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable performances, scoring a magnificent 127 not out in the semi-final against Australia. Her innings anchored India’s record chase of 339 runs, the highest successful chase in Women’s World Cup knockout history, and propelled the team into the final. It was after this heroic knock that Gavaskar had publicly promised to jam with her.
Now, with international commitments behind her, Jemimah has turned her focus to the WPL. She begins this season with added responsibility, having been appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals. After years of being a cornerstone of their batting line-up, she will now lead the franchise, starting with a high-profile clash against the Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
For fans, the image of Gavaskar and Jemimah singing together will remain a powerful reminder that cricket is not just about runs and records, but also about human connections, shared passions, and promises kept.
