Arundhati Reddy’s journey in Indian cricket has been a remarkable story of determination and perseverance. Back in May 2024, news about her impressive batting against the Indian national bowlers at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru grabbed attention across the cricketing community. Known for being a talented all-rounder, Arundhati was making her way back into the Indian team after a breakthrough performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. Her return was anything but easy, but it was a testament to her hard work and commitment.
A Breakthrough Performance at the NCA
Arundhati’s coach, Arjun Dev, encouraged her to challenge herself. She requested the NCA for a chance to bat against India’s top bowlers, who were in a special training camp. During this opportunity, she scored 98 runs, standing strong even after the top-order collapsed. This outstanding performance did not go unnoticed. Amol Muzumdar, the Indian women’s head coach, who was overseeing a different training camp in Mumbai, took note of her brilliance.
Focus on Bowling Despite Batting Success
Although it was her batting that grabbed attention, Arundhati’s improvement as a bowler became the highlight of her comeback. Known for her ability to create chances, she didn’t let missed opportunities on the field frustrate her. Instead, she focused on moving forward, confident that her hard work would bring results eventually.
Stepping Up in the T20 World Cup
Arundhati’s moment came during the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Pakistan. In front of a record crowd of 16,000 fans in Dubai, she was called upon to bowl in the PowerPlay due to the absence of key bowler Pooja Vastrakar. She quickly made an impact, forcing a false shot from Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen, nearly getting a wicket right away. Although a couple of catches were dropped, Arundhati stayed calm and continued to bowl with precision.
Her patience paid off as she ended with her best-ever T20 International (T20I) figures of 3/19, helping India secure crucial points in the tournament. This performance was even more special considering that she had been out of the national team for three years.
Conversations that Sparked Change
In 2023, Arundhati had deep conversations with her former Hyderabad teammate, Ananya Upendran, now a scout for Delhi Capitals. These discussions made her realize that she needed to make changes to get her career back on track. Determined to revive her India career, Arundhati was ready to leave the comfort of her secure job with Railways for more game time and greater freedom. The WPL contract with Delhi Capitals gave her the financial security she needed, but it was the chance to push herself that motivated her the most.
A New Chapter with Kerala
Arundhati’s next big step was moving to Kerala, where she joined a new team with new coaches. Kerala’s head coach, Suman Sharma, quickly noticed her hunger to prove herself. She adjusted to her new environment rapidly and became a key member of the team, contributing both on and off the field. Her dedication to fitness, even in difficult conditions, and her willingness to help and guide younger players made her an essential part of the team.
Her professionalism and experience as a former India player added immense value to the Kerala side. Whether it was sharing her knowledge, motivating others, or even financially helping teammates, Arundhati was always ready to give her all.
Training at NICE Academy
In parallel with her move to Kerala, Arundhati joined the NICE Academy in Bengaluru to further hone her skills. Her coach, Arjun Dev, saw the drive in her to improve and become a bowler who could be trusted in any phase of a T20 match, whether in the PowerPlay or the death overs. Together, they worked on her bowling techniques, focusing on bowling stump-to-stump and adding new variations to her repertoire, including slower balls, yorkers, and cutters.
The Role of WPL in Her Comeback
The Women’s Premier League played a crucial role in Arundhati’s rise. While in 2023, she bowled only a handful of overs for Delhi Capitals, her role grew significantly in 2024. Under the leadership of Meg Lanning, Arundhati bowled in more challenging situations, including during the PowerPlay and death overs. She delivered consistently, finishing the WPL 2024 season with eight wickets in nine games and proving her worth as a reliable bowler.
Gaining Confidence from Meg Lanning
Meg Lanning, the Delhi Capitals captain, played an important role in Arundhati’s resurgence. Lanning’s belief in Arundhati gave her the confidence to perform on the big stage. By trusting her with crucial overs, Lanning helped Arundhati realize her potential and grow into a bowler who could be counted on in any situation.
The Turning Point at NCA
All of Arundhati’s hard work culminated in her standout performance at the NCA, where her all-round abilities caught the attention of the national selectors. Her consistent performances in both domestic cricket and the WPL led to her return to the Indian team.
A Triumphant Return to the Indian Team
Since her return, Arundhati has continued to impress. She filled in for Renuka Thakur during India’s home series against South Africa and more recently for an injured Pooja Vastrakar in the T20 World Cup. Arundhati’s determination to win games for India and her never-give-up attitude have made her a vital part of the team once again.
Reflecting on her journey, Arundhati said, “I wanted to play for India again. The three and a half years I was away were tough, but I focused on improving and becoming the best all-rounder I could be. I knew I had to win games for India, and I was confident I could do it.”
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