In May, news of a “discarded” Indian all-rounder holding her own with the bat against the country’s premier bowling attack spread like wildfire in cricket circles. Such is the demand for genuine all-rounders in India. On the back of a breakthrough Women’s Premier League 2024, Arundhati Reddy had returned to national contention, starting with her stint at the NCA in Bengaluru, reports Live Cricket Score.
Encouraged by her coach, Arjun Dev, Arundhati requested the NCA for a chance to bat against India’s top bowlers, who were in a dedicated camp. Her 98-run knock after a top-order collapse was impossible for the selectors and Indian Women’s head coach, Amol Muzumdar, to ignore, even though he was in Mumbai overseeing the batters’ camp ahead of the South Africa series. Ironically, a brilliant batting effort highlighted Arundhati’s growth as a bowler.
Despite her talent, Arundhati isn’t one to seek the spotlight. More often than not, she’s faced India’s fielding lapses firsthand, which cost her several wickets since her comeback in June. Yet, she stays calm, focusing on creating chances, knowing the rewards will come.
In India’s T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan on Sunday, in front of a record crowd of nearly 16,000 in Dubai, Arundhati stepped up without key new-ball bowler Pooja Vastrakar. Summoned to bowl during the PowerPlay, she immediately induced a false shot from Sidra Ameen, who nearly offered a catch to mid-off. Throughout the over, she challenged the set Muneeba Ali by switching between over and around the wicket. However, Asha Sobhana dropped two catches, frustrating Arundhati’s efforts.
But perseverance paid off. Arundhati’s career-best T20I figures of 3/19 led India to their first points of the T20 World Cup, marking a triumphant return for a player whose career had stagnated after her axing three years ago.
In 2023, conversations with her former Hyderabad teammate and current Delhi Capitals scout, Ananya Upendran, sparked the realization that Arundhati needed to make changes. She decided to move out of her comfort zone with Railways, seeking more game time and freedom. The Delhi Capitals’ bid for her in the WPL 2023 provided financial security, but she was now focused on pushing her limits.
Kerala’s head coach, Suman Sharma, was impressed with Arundhati’s decision to leave her job security behind. “Her willingness to challenge herself showed how hungry she was to earn her stripes, not just at the highest level, but also in domestic cricket,” he said. Arundhati quickly adapted to the team culture, gaining respect from her new teammates and helping them with everything from sharing her experiences to financially supporting those who couldn’t afford kits.
Simultaneously, Arundhati’s training at the NICE Academy in Bengaluru under coach Arjun Dev proved instrumental in her comeback. “She wanted to challenge herself more and play at her full potential,” said Dev. Arundhati worked hard to refine her bowling skills, becoming a trusted option in powerplays and death overs.
The WPL 2023 helped showcase Arundhati’s abilities. Although she bowled just nine overs across four innings by WPL 2024, her accuracy and versatility earned her a significant role. Trusted with key overs, she picked up 8 wickets in nine games, consistently delivering under pressure.
Her captain at Delhi Capitals, Meg Lanning, played a pivotal role in backing her. By the second season of the WPL, Lanning saw Arundhati’s potential and gave her more responsibility. “For Meg to trust Aru over someone like Titas was a big boost,” Dev noted. “More than anything, the captain’s confidence makes a huge difference.”
At Delhi Capitals, Arundhati got the platform she needed to showcase her skills, and soon after, she was back in the national fold. Her Player of the Match performance against Pakistan was a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
“Honestly, I wanted to play for India again,” Arundhati said after the match. “The three-and-a-half years I was out weren’t great for me, but I focused on what I needed to improve. My goal was to be the best all-rounder and make a comeback. I prepared so that I’d be ready to win games for India when I got my chance, and I’m confident I can do that.”
