Enter Arundhati Reddy’s house and you don’t get the sense that it is the residence of a seasoned cricketer, let alone one who was a part of the victorious Indian team in the recent Women’s ODI World Cup.

The large, breezy rooms — and even the detailed interior work, done to her taste — appear quite ‘normal’ until your eyes fall on a photo frame under her television, featuring Arundhati receiving her T20I cap from Mithali Raj.

“She doesn’t want anything on display,” Arundhati’s mother Bhagya tells The Hindu. “She said, ‘Amma, I’m playing because it is my thing, I enjoy it. I don’t want to put on a show.’ I requested her a few times, but it was a solid no.”

Brick by brick

Her daughter’s haul of medals and trophies adorns her bedroom walls instead, as a nod to the fulfilment of sporting dreams she could never realise. A former State-level volleyball player, Bhagya, a single parent, dedicated her life to building Arundhati the cricketer, brick by brick.

Arundhati bears the lessons of a hard life. She is happy to fly under the radar and let her craft speak for itself.

Used primarily as a substitute fielder in the World Cup, Arundhati, anticlimactically, found herself cheering from the sidelines and running drinks instead.

Renuka Singh emerged as the pace spearhead after Jhulan Goswami’s retirement; her efficacy in the PowerPlay made her a sure starter when fit. A young Kranti Gaud, with her penchant for speed and fearlessness to attack, found herself among wickets against quality opponents in the run-up to the World Cup. Arundhati dropped down the pecking order despite being a mean swing bowler and a handy bat. Her oscillating economy-rate didn’t help her cause either.

ALSO READ | People knew about me everywhere I walked….it was different experience, says Arundhati

But when India clinched the title, the contingent waxed eloquent about Arundhati’s impact on the team’s morale.

“When you’re not playing, it is difficult,” she says. “You’re constantly waiting for a chance. But I felt like this World Cup wasn’t just about me. I’m a private person. Even if I wasn’t feeling my best, I had to put on a smile and head to training because I didn’t want any negativity rubbing off on those around me. Until my time comes, I’m okay clapping for others.”

This situation tragically mirrored what her life was like in early 2025. She was dropped despite a stellar haul (four for 26) in the third ODI against Australia at Perth late last year and an individually decent T20 World Cup before that.

“I didn’t speak about it when the drop happened. I cried the entire night, showed up the next morning, played a match wherever I was, went back and cried again. There was a three-day break during which I didn’t step out of the room. I had always been rewarded for doing well, but not being picked despite a good run was a first. Took me a while to realise that, in the end, only cricket stays with you.”

That wisdom came in handy for Arundhati when trying to be there for her friends, something a bawling Jemimah Rodrigues gushed about after a match-winning century to knock out holder Australia in the semifinals.

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“I’ve had my share of anxiety and panic attacks. Jemi’s one of my best friends. You wouldn’t want to see anyone go through what she did. Credit to her for speaking in public. It’ll help people know they are not alone in that experience.”

Betting on herself

Arundhati’s maturity comes from the unwavering support of her mother and brother Rohit. For it was they who stood by her when she went through the grinding wheel of emotions before doing what many in India consider sacrilegious — quitting a well-set government job to pursue sports.

“When I left Railways, many called me foolish. I was then close to being unsold in the first Women’s Premier League auction, until Delhi Capitals picked me in the accelerated round. Maybe it was foolish. Maybe I was mad. But I’m really grateful that everything fell into place. Things could’ve gone either way. I could’ve looked like an idiot or a mastermind.

“Everybody was busy blaming me, but nobody realised that I left with plenty of doubts and uncertainty from my family as well, because I was the one who had to provide for my family financially. I knew I had a responsibility to pay the loans and whatnot. I didn’t know where money would come from.”

That decision-making process on a phone call with her family, in fact, played out in public in Bengaluru.

“I didn’t think it would be such an emotional call with my family, where I was crying my heart out. There’s an auto stand outside the Shangri-La hotel. I hid behind one of the autos. I was there for around two hours, just sobbing and hoping that nobody would recognise me.”

The pacer is the apple of her mother’s eye, but come matchday and Arundhati doesn’t want her mother anywhere near her. “I was still not sure whether to call her for the [World Cup] final or not because every time she had come in the WPL, we had lost in the finals.”

For the World Cup though, Bhagya thought ahead and asked if she could be in attendance for a potentially historic moment. “The least I could do for my team was not calling mom [laughs], but when she asked, I didn’t want to stop her.”

There was a time in India’s campaign when it looked like it would be denied the chance to fight for the trophy. Three gutting losses — to South Africa, Australia and England — left the host with several uncomfortable questions to contend with.

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“It’s good that the losses happened. When things aren’t going well, it tests your character. We came together a lot more as a team, because we knew we had no other choice.

“When we stepped into the D.Y. Patil Stadium, I remember Vijay Patil sir telling us, ‘You’ve come at the right time. You will not be let down here’. I think it’s now most players’ favourite ground by a mile.”

Weeks have passed, and Arundhati has just started letting loose and soaking in the victory. Celebrations on the night of the win saw her break her sugar abstinence. Gulab jamuns and ice creams were savoured in generous amounts. But the following day, she was back to her routine.

Just the beginning

Arundhati is aware that this is just the beginning, and she will have to get going from zero again, starting with WPL-4, where she will turn out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru after the franchise’s winning bid of ₹75 lakh in Thursday’s auction. She had been earlier released by Delhi Capitals.

With multiple WPL finals played, the world crown won, and having forced her way back into national reckoning, Arundhati now welcomes every positive, however big or small, with open arms while knowing that the hurdles along the way are just that — hurdles and not the end of the world.

“If I could meet my younger self, I would say, ‘You did well’. The journey wasn’t very easy. But I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Mumbai Indian, WPL 2025 head coach Charlotte Edwards.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Taking a dig at the controversial run-out decisions that played a big role in her team’s last-ball, two-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians coach Charlotte Edwards said it was “really hard” to comprehend such calls that affect the eventual outcome of the match.

Three controversial run-out decisions sparked a debate as Delhi Capitals edged past MI in a WPL match on Saturday, raising concerns over the interpretation of the LED stump rules.

Third umpire Gayathri Venugopalan ruled three DC batters — Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy and Shikha Pandey — not out, seemingly disregarding the moment the LED stumps first lit up after the ball made initial contact with the wickets.

“You’ve got to stay pretty calm. It is really hard when there’re many decisions to go to the third umpire. The result of the game is looking at the big screen,” said Edwards, the two-time World Cup-winning England skipper, after MI’s narrow defeat.

“It’s pretty hard. I’ve played the game and been around the game to know…it’s the game and we just have to move on. We look forward to playing here on Tuesday,” she added.

While commentating on the match, former India captain Mithali Raj also had observed that decisions on Arundhati and Radha Yadav should have gone in MI’s favour.

The WPL 2025 rules state that a wicket is considered broken at the first frame when the LED stumps light up, but in all three cases here, the umpire made decisions based on a second frame when the bails were fully dislodged.

The first controversy surfaced in the 18th over when Pandey’s bat was on the crease line as the LED stumps lit up, but the umpire ruled not out based on the second frame. However, she was run out for two in the next over.

But decisions with far bigger ramifications followed.

In the 19th over, Radha dived and he bat was still up in the air when the stumps were first illuminated, but the third considered the next frame where the bat was grounded when the bails were fully dislodged to give the batter not out.

A similar decision in the final ball of the 20th over saw Arundhati deemed safe despite her bat being on the crease line when the LED lights on the stumps first flashed, as the DC batter was running in for the second run.

The decisions worked in favour of DC, as Radha (nine not out) Arundhati (two not out) secured a dramatic last-ball win.

MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur looked frustrated but did not formally protest.

Former RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson also expressed his disbelief over the umpire’s decision.

“Not sure why the umpire tonight has decided that the zinger bails are not applicable? Once bails lights up connection is lost therefore the wicket is broken! That is in the playing conditions! Have seen more confusion in the last 10 mins than ever before,” he posted on X.

Earlier, Nat Sciver-Brunt remained unbeaten on 80, dominating alongside Harmanpreet (42), before DC recaptured the momentum to restrict former champions to 164.

Edwards rued the fact that they could not add a few more runs in the backend of the innings.

“It was actually hard when a big partnership like that of Harman (Harmanpreet Kaur) and Nat (sciver-brunt) was broken. They were making it look easy, weren’t they? Potentially that didn’t help. I think the runout of (Amelia) Kerr was a massive point in this game.

“We should have gotten to 180+, which we didn’t, and that hurt us in the end. Shafali (Verma) played brilliantly. But that’s T20 cricket,” she observed.

“There will be a lot of stuff I’d want the team to continue to do, just a few areas where we need to sharpen up, which we’ll do over the next couple of days. Looking forward to our game against Gujarat,” said Edwards who guided them to the title in the inaugural WPL in 2023.

Veteran Shikha who started Mumbai’s slide removing openers Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia, lauded the team effort.

“We are still not at full strength and have some superstars who couldn’t play today. And to get a team like MI which is paying on full strength all out was amazing,” she said.

Niki Prasad of Delhi Capitals batting during match 2 of the Women’s Premier League 2025 (WPL) between The Mumbai Indians and The Delhi Capitals held at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara on the 15th February 2025.
| Photo Credit: Saikat Das

Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) at Vadodara on Saturday. The match, filled with dramatic twists and turns, saw DC successfully chase down the target in a last-over finish, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

A standout performance came from young Niki Prasad, whose crucial innings played a significant role in DC’s victory. Former West Indian cricketer Stacy-Ann King, speaking on JioHotstar, lauded Prasad’s batting display. “We saw what she could do in terms of the India Under-19 team. But she didn’t have much chance to bat because of G Trisha and of course Kamalini, who were exceptional,” King said, as quoted from a release by JioHotstar. “After she started off a little shaky, she eventually just played her shots, and it was amazing,” she added.

Prasad’s innings proved pivotal in the latter stages of the chase, as she held her nerve under pressure to guide DC to a memorable win. MI, despite their disciplined bowling effort, fell short of closing out the game, allowing DC to clinch two vital points. Coming to the match, chasing 165, DC was left 109/5 in 14.5 overs despite a fine 60-run opening stand. However, Niki Prasad and Sarah took down the equation to 10 runs off the last over despite wickets falling at other end.

With two runs needed on final ball, the pair of Arundhati Reddy and Radha Yadav completed a risky double and it was worth all the toil. After Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl first, they were off to a fine start as a low grab by skipper Meg Lanning on a Shikha Pandey delivery sent Hayley Matthews packing for a duck on the second ball. MI was 0/1.In the next over, Alice Capsey gave away 19 runs, including five runs after a four on wide, two fours from Yastika Bhatia and one boundary from Nat-Sciver Brunt.

Shikha got her second wicket in the fifth over, beating Yastika’s stumps as she was gone for 11 in nine balls. MI was 32/2 in 4.2 overs. At the end of powerplay, MI was 41/2 in six overs, with Brunt (22*) joined by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (2*) unbeaten. With a four by Brunt, MI reached the 50-run mark in 7.1 overs. In the same over, she and Kaur hit Radha for a four and six more, looting 18 runs in total. The duo kept the run-rate up and brought up their 50-run stand in 30 balls. In 10 overs, MI were 87/2, with Brunt (45*) and Kaur (24*) unbeaten.

In the 11th over, Kaur went on a blitz against Annabel Sutherland, smashing her for three fours and a six before debutant Niki Prasad caught her, sending her back for 42 in 22 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes. MI was 105/3 in 10.5 overs.Sciver Brunt reached her fourth WPL fifty in 36 balls, with nine fours. But after that, there was one wicket falling per over from overs 14-16, leaving MI struggling at 146/6. Amelia Kerr, S Sajana and Amanjot Kaur went back to the pavilion for single digits.Sciver held the innings together, helping MI reach the 150-run mark in 16.5 overs.MI continued their implosion towards the end, bundling out for 164 runs in 19.1 overs.

Brunt was the top-scorer, with 80* in 59 balls, with 13 fours.Sutherland (3/34) was the top bowler for DC. Shikha got two while Minnu Mani and Capsey got one each.During the run-chase of 165, Delhi was off to a fine start as Shafali Varma looted 22 runs in the second over bowled by Saika Ishaque, including four boundaries and a six.In the sixth over, Shafali launched Matthews for two successive fours, bringing up the 50-run mark in 5.1 overs and a six. However, a fine catch at short mid-wicket from Amanjot meant the bowler had the last laugh.

Shafali was gone for 43 in 18 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. DC was 60/1 in 5.5 overs.In the next over, Lanning’s knock of 15 in 19 balls, with three fours was ended by Shabnim Ismail as she castled her stumps. DC was 60/2 in 6.1 overs.All-rounders Amelia and Sciver got Jemimah Rodrigues (2) and Annabel Sutherland (13) in quick succession, derailing DC’s chase, and sinking them to 76/4 in 8.5 overs.At the end of 10 overs, DC were 83/4, with Capsey (3*) and Prasad (5*) unbeaten.DC reached the 100-run mark in 13 overs, with the help of a four by Niki. An attempted loft by Capsey went into hands of Ismail at long-on, removing her at the hands of Amelia for 16 in 18 balls.

DC was 109/5 in 14.5 overs. Some hits by Prasad and Sarah Bryce helped DC bring down the equation to 21 in two overs, but Mathews had removed Bryce for 21 in 12 balls, with two fours and a six. The 19th over was a thrilling one. While Shikha was run out for three, Radha Yadav tonked the final ball for a six, bringing down the equation to 10 runs in the last over. The final over started with Niki hitting a boundary. But the dismissal of Niki on the second-last ball for 35 in 33 balls, with four boundaries, left DC with two to get on the final ball.

DC chased down the total on the last ball, with Arundhati Reddy (2*) and Radha Yadav (9*) completing a risky double. Amelia (2/21) and Mathews (2/32) were top wicket-takers for MI. Ismail, Sciver and Sajana got one each.With this victory, Delhi Capitals have strengthened their position in the league standings, while Mumbai Indians will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches. The WPL continues to deliver high-octane encounters, showcasing the rising talents of women’s cricket.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday drafted in Sneh Rana as replacement for injured Shreyanka Patil for the remainder of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. File photo
| Photo Credit:  B. Jothi Ramalingam

Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday drafted in Sneh Rana as replacement for injured Shreyanka Patil for the remainder of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025.

Shreyanka, who has played 15 matches for RCB and has scalped 19 wickets with her off-spin, is ruled out of the third edition of tournament due to an unspecified injury.

“Challenges are tough, Shrey. But you’re tougher. We know how hard you tried to get fit before #WPL2025. And how badly you’ll miss being a part of our campaign, and we will carry your energy and spirit with us on the field as well!,” the RCB mentioned in a post on their official X account.

“Get well soon and come back stronger! Can’t wait to see you play in the Red Blue and Gold of RCB next year,” the franchise added.

Shreyanka had also missed the white ball assignments at home against the West Indies and Ireland last year because of an injury.

The 30-year-old Rana, who is an off-spin all-rounder, has previously played for Gujarat Giants in the WPL.

She has joined RCB for Rs 30 lakh.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their title defence with a six-wicket win over Gujarat Giants at Vadodara on Friday.

Captains of Gujarat Giants, UP Warriorz, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians pose with sponsors during the Women’s Premier League season 3, in Vadodara.dia on the 13th February 2025.
| Photo Credit: Sportzpics for WPL

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field against Gujarat Giants in the first match of the third season of Women’s Premier League, in Vadodara on Friday (February 14, 2025).

The injury-hit and defending champions RCB picked Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Kim Garth as their four overseas players while handing debuts to Prema Rawat, Joshitha VJ and Raghvi Bisht.

Gujarat Giants handed debuts to five players including West Indies’ Deandra Dottin.

Teams:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (c), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Prema Rawat, Joshitha VJ, Renuka Singh Thakur.

Gujarat Giants: Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney (wk), Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra, Kashvee Gautam.