Fast bowler back in action after injury drama; set to feature in September 30 opener against Sri Lanka
India’s women’s cricket team can breathe easy as pacer Arundhati Reddy has been declared fit to play after suffering an injury scare during the warm-up clash against England in Bengaluru. The 27-year-old fast bowler returned to the field in India’s second practice game against New Zealand on Saturday, easing concerns ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 opener on September 30.
Reddy’s participation in the World Cup looked doubtful when she collapsed mid-over on Thursday after being struck on the left knee while attempting to field off her own bowling against Heather Knight. The incident occurred just moments after she had trapped Amy Jones lbw, leaving her writhing in pain and unable to walk unaided.
Physios rushed to her aid, but the pacer had to be taken off in a wheelchair, raising fears that her maiden World Cup campaign might be cut short. Jemimah Rodrigues completed the unfinished over, with India left worried about their pace-bowling options.
“Perfectly fine,” confirms BCCI source
Fortunately for India, scans revealed no serious damage. “Arundhati is perfectly fine. The scans revealed nothing concerning,” a BCCI source told TOI. Reddy returned to training and bowled in the second warm-up against New Zealand, indicating she will be match-ready for the opener in Guwahati.
Key role in India’s World Cup plans
Arundhati Reddy, who has claimed 15 wickets in 11 WODIs since making her debut last year, is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s pace attack. Her standout performance came against Australia in December 2024, when she picked up 4 for 26. Having impressed with Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League, she now heads into her first World Cup with growing confidence.
India, co-hosting the tournament with Sri Lanka, will begin their campaign against the island nation on September 30. To manage workloads, senior players Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma were rested in the early warm-ups but are expected to feature in the opener.
With Arundhati Reddy cleared, India are set to field a full-strength squad when they launch their quest for a maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title. Her recovery not only strengthens the seam department but also provides balance to a side looking to set the tone early in a high-stakes tournament.