Cricketer Arundhati Reddy
| Photo Credit: File photo
India pacer Arundhati Reddy on Thursday landed in Hyderabad after a victorious Women’s ODI World Cup campaign, with friends and ecstatic fans making a beeline to welcome her both at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, and at her residence.
“I have dreamt about this moment since I was a child, and it means a lot to me. Honestly, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I haven’t had time to sit and reflect on it,” she told The Hindu.
Members of the side that won India’s first-ever ICC women’s world trophy have left for their homes after visiting President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
“Growing up, the likes of Mithali Raj didi and Gouher Sultana inspired me a lot. They had a huge influence on me as a cricketer. Hopefully, I would be able to make an impact on people who go on to pick up this sport,” she added.
While Arundhati didn’t break into the playing XI throughout the campaign, she contributed well when called on as a substitute fielder. Her diving catch to dismiss Sharmin Akhter in India’s final league game against Bangladesh was one for the highlight reel. Several players also since spoken highly of her rigour during training and the support she offered her teammates during a nervy home World Cup run.
“People from the outside won’t know what you have done for this team! To not get to play a match but still show up every session with a smile and take care of everyone around! You are our star!” vice-captain Smriti Mandhana recently posted on social media.
The Indian team took home prize money worth $4.48 million (around ₹40 crore). The BCCI also announced an additional reward of ₹51 crore for the players and staff.
Published – November 06, 2025 08:49 pm IST
