Arundhati Reddy: A Resilient Comeback in Indian Women’s Cricket

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Indian allrounder Arundhati Reddy has made a significant comeback in the national cricket scene after a pivotal performance in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024. Reddy’s recent achievements culminated in career-best T20I figures against Pakistan during a packed T20 World Cup match in Dubai, showcasing her evolution as a crucial player in the team.

Back in May, the cricket world buzzed with news of Reddy, who was previously sidelined, making impressive strides with the bat against Indian frontline bowlers. Encouraged by her coach, Arjun Dev, she seized a valuable opportunity at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to hone her skills further. Her standout 98-run knock there, following a top-order collapse, did not go unnoticed, catching the eye of Indian Women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar.

Consistently striving to improve, Reddy faced fielding challenges since her return in June, with dropped catches impacting her statistics. However, she maintained her focus and continued creating opportunities with the belief that consistent performance would eventually bring rewards. This determination was evident when she was called to perform in the PowerPlay against Pakistan, replacing the injured Pooja Vastrakar. She delivered a T20I career-best, taking three wickets for 19 runs.

Reddy’s journey back to the national team was not straightforward. Critical insights from her former teammate Ananya Upendran led Reddy to reassess her career path. She left the financial comfort of the Railways for more playtime and freedom in the WPL, signing with Delhi Capitals. Biju George, the fielding coach, facilitated her move to Kerala, where coach Suman Sharma appreciated her dedication and quick adaptation to the team culture.

Her transition involved intensive training at NICE Academy in Bengaluru, where she sought to refine her skills under Dev’s guidance. Strategies were adjusted, focusing on becoming a versatile T20 bowler with varied skills, enhancing her all-around capabilities. This alignment of technique and confidence drew attention from cricket legend Meg Lanning, whose encouragement in the WPL underscored Reddy’s role as a prominent team member.

In WPL 2023, Reddy bowled selectively but her expanded role in 2024, presented by Lanning, consolidated her position by delivering high-pressure overs and showcasing her bowling finesse. The trust reposed by Lanning in Reddy, choosing her over younger bowlers, significantly bolstered her confidence.

Reddy’s climactic performance at the NCA secured her spot for the all-formats national call-up, fortifying her resurgence on the international stage. “Honestly, I wanted to play for India again,” Reddy commented. Her focus on becoming the world’s best allrounder reflects her unwavering dedication as she continues to contribute significantly to Indian women’s cricket.