Batter wears helmet of salvation

Jemimah Rodrigues led India’s women’s cricket team to a historic World Cup final last year – but her bold faith brought a firestorm.

After a match-winning knock against Australia, the India batter wept, later saying: “Towards the end, I was just quoting a Scripture from the Bible – to just stand still and that God will fight for me.”

Despite her heroics, vicious online abuse followed. Trolls called her a “missionary dog” and mocked her as a “rice bag” – a slur against Christian converts in India.

Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, was accused of “soul ripping” and “conversion rackets”.

The family has denied all accusations.

“We choose to forgive those who hurt us, because that’s what Jesus taught us,” Rodrigues told Hindustan Times.

Christian influencers across India say the abuse against Christians is relentless – some lose jobs, others face threats.

But, as one proudly declared: “I am a proud rice bag. My faith only deepens in the face of hate.”

More faith-based sport …