Arundhati Reddy gets rousing welcome after World Cup triumph
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad pacer Arundhati Reddy returned home to a grand reception on Thursday after being part of India’s historic Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad in Dubai. Friends, family, and fans thronged the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and her Alwal residence to celebrate her return.
Emotional homecoming for Hyderabad cricketer
Speaking to reporters, Arundhati said, “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.” She was among the 15-member Indian team that met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi after lifting India’s first-ever ICC women’s world title.
Though she did not feature in the semifinal or final, Arundhati’s contributions through the tournament were crucial. She delivered two back-to-back three-wicket hauls — 3 for 19 against Pakistan and 3 for 19 against Sri Lanka, earning the Player of the Match award in the Pakistan game.
“My mother says you are her hero,” Reddy tells PM Modi
During the team’s interaction with the Prime Minister, Arundhati shared a light moment that drew smiles from everyone present.
“I never thought I’d get to speak to you. My mother asked me to tell you that you are her hero,” she told Modi. The Prime Minister responded with a warm smile.
Arundhati also said her mother had called her “four or five times” before the meeting, asking, “When are you meeting my hero?”
Consistent career and steady rise
The 28-year-old all-rounder made her One-Day International (ODI) debut against New Zealand and has also represented India against South Africa and Australia, taking eight wickets in four matches.
In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), she has played for Delhi Capitals, finishing as the highest wicket-taker among Indian pacers in the second season. She has also led Hyderabad at the U-16, U-19, and U-23 levels.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana praised her on social media: “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 — you are our star!”
The Indian team received $4.48 million (around ₹40 crore) in prize money, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced an additional ₹51 crore reward for players and staff.
