Arundhati reddy: Australia Celebrates ‘s ICC Player of the Month Win
The numbers
In a remarkable achievement for Indian cricket, Arundhati Reddy has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February 2026. The 28-year-old pacer from Hyderabad played a pivotal role in leading India to a historic 2-1 T20I series victory against Australia, marking the first time India has won a series in Australia since 2016.
Reddy’s outstanding performance in the series included taking 8 wickets, making her the leading wicket-taker. With a bowling average of 10.87 and an economy rate of 7.25, she demonstrated her skill and consistency on the field. Her best performance came in the first T20I, where she achieved an impressive 4 wickets for just 22 runs.
Reflecting on her achievement, Reddy expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s a real honour to be named ICC Player of the Month, and even more special knowing I was able to contribute to a T20I series win in Australia.” Her contributions were not limited to just one match; she also took 2 wickets each in the second and third T20Is, solidifying her status as a key player in the series.
Reddy’s success comes at a crucial time as the Indian team prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales later this summer. She noted, “This series win has given our team a huge boost of confidence as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.” Her performance has not only uplifted the team spirit but also set a record for the most wickets taken in a three-match T20I series.
Reddy was selected for the ICC Player of the Month award ahead of notable players such as Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana, highlighting her exceptional contributions during the series. She remarked, “Beating Australia on their home turf is never easy, which makes this award even more meaningful.”
The Indian women’s cricket team has shown significant growth over the years, and Reddy’s achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players. Since making her international debut in 2018, Reddy has quickly become a vital asset to the team, and her performances continue to inspire young cricketers across India.
As the cricketing community looks forward to the upcoming T20 World Cup, Reddy’s confidence in her team shines through. “We’ve got a well-balanced squad, and I believe we’ll be a team to watch,” she stated, hinting at the potential for further success on the international stage. With the momentum gained from this series win, the Indian team is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament ahead.
