Jemimah eager to get going

She is just 17-years-old, has made it to the Indian women's cricket team and is now keenly looking forward to the South Africa tour.

"I am really looking forward to the SA tour. It's my first trip with the Indian team," said Mumbai girl Jemimah Rodrigues ahead of the team's departure to the Rainbow Nation.

"Everyone has supported me really well and they have not made me feel like I am a new girl or the youngest one in the team. They have gelled well with me. I am a bit nervous, but I am excited too," said Rodrigues, who has made headlines with her breath-taking performances in the domestic circuit.

The Indian's women team is to take on hosts South Africa in a three-match ODI series which starts at Kimberly on February 5, followed by a five-match T20 series, which begins on February 13.

The girl also met cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who gave a pep talk to the members of the women's cricket team, before they flew to South Africa.

Rodrigues cherishes the moment saying Tendulkar gave the team members a lot of confidence ahead of their tour.

"Meeting Sachin sir was an awe moment for each one of us. He's one of the best examples of a good batsman, but more than that a humble human being. He spoke to each one of us, gave us many fine tips, and made us feel comfortable and answered our questions," she said.

"I think he gave us a lot of confidence before travelling to South Africa. Meeting him was a blessing for us," said the young cricketer.

"Whenever I get a chance, I will be happy to play there, perform and do well for the team," the right-handed batswoman said about her chance of making into the playing eleven.

Rodrigues said she did get nervous when she first met team-mates - skipper Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami - and termed the former as her idol.

"The first time I got very nervous. Mithali Raj is my idol in Indian cricket and seeing them batting and working so hard in the nets is an inspiration for me," she said.