The sound of the cricket ball hitting the pitch echoed through the Dubai International Stadium as Arundhati Reddy prepared to take her place on the field during the Women's T20 World Cup. With her determined spirit and unwavering focus, the 27-year-old seamer showcased her prowess as not just another player but as a cornerstone of her team's bowling lineup. Her recent performance has cemented her status as one of the standout players of the tournament, proving she’s ready for the big leagues once again.
Arundhati's rise back to the Indian team has been nothing short of remarkable. Having been dropped from the T20 setup after playing 26 matches from 2018 to 2021, where she took 18 wickets with an economy of 8, she found herself on the sidelines for almost four years. Many players may have faltered under such pressure, but not Arundhati. Instead, she channeled her energy toward improvement and resilience, shaping herself to return stronger than before.
Her comeback came earlier this year, demonstrating her newfound skills. She participated in three T20 matches and seized the chance to secure her place for the 2024 World Cup. This year’s tournament has been particularly pivotal, most recently highlighted with her performance against Pakistan, where she recorded her best T20 figures of 3 wickets for just 19 runs, earning her Player of the Match honors. "It’s been a long time, four years, but honestly with me right now, the focus is to do well for the team," Arundhati expressed after India’s victory over Pakistan by six wickets.
Arundhati attributes her growth as a complete bowler to the hard work she put in during her time away from the national side. “Honestly, the last couple of years I’ve tried to really work on my bowling as a complete T20 bowler. There’s been so much work behind it,” she said, displaying the wisdom gained from her experience. Her ambition was clear: she wanted to be versatile enough to bowl at any phase of the game.
The Indian team has had its ups and downs during the tournament. They kicked off with a disappointing loss to New Zealand, leading to significant questioning of their capabilities. With the pressure mounting due to their poor net run rate, the team needed to quickly regroup and refocus. Recognizing the importance of every match, Arundhati and her teammates showed tremendous resilience, particularly during their subsequent game against Pakistan.
Sadly, the team faced some fielding mishaps, which included dropped catches, but as Arundhati pointed out, attitude was key. “We have been working very hard on our fielding. I knew there were lapses but we’re just happy as long as the team wins,” she added, emphasizing the learning curve all athletes undergo. The team believes they will improve and is committed to making every effort to sharpen their skills.
Coming from her initial stint with Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League, Arundhati’s decision to shift from Railways to Kerala cricket has also reaped benefits. With insights from former India women’s fielding coach Biju George and the guidance from coaches at her training academy, the positive change has shown on the pitch. “I just prepared a certain way, thinking of how to play for India again. My main focus was to be the best all-rounder and win games,” she explained. Her dedication and strategic training leading to her national comeback were all guided by her desire to shine on the grand stage.
Whilst reflecting on her performance against Pakistan, Arundhati noted the challenging pitch conditions which required the bowlers to approach the game strategically. “We needed to adapt to the slower wicket and be aware of how to escalate our scoring,” she explained, pointing out the importance of agility and tactical planning. Her pitch performance not only reflected her skills but also served as motivation for fellow teammates during the high-pressure moments of the World Cup.
Despite earlier setbacks, Arundhati's sheer tenacity has brought renewed confidence to the Indian side. The bowlers have been sharpening their skills together, discussing strategies, and learning how to navigate the game's twists and turns more effectively. “It’s about sitting together and figuring out what works for us. Today, our bowling showed what happens when we put our plans to action,” she shared.
Keeping her goals clear, Arundhati is not just focused on individual accolades but on contributing to the team’s success as they aim for greatness. With their next matches against Sri Lanka and the defending champions Australia on the horizon, she recognizes the challenges but remains resolute. "I know I’m much more prepared now than what I was before, but I’m also part of this team. We’re ready to win together and keep pushing forward," she stated with conviction.
The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup continues to showcase the growth and talent of players like Arundhati Reddy. A player who once faced adversity is now rising to the occasion, helping define the future of women’s cricket. The world will be watching intently as she continues to prove her worth and fulfill her ambitions during the tournament. With every delivery and wicket, she’s not only making her mark on the field but also inspiring countless aspiring cricketers across the globe.
