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"Kid inside me...": Inspired by Tendulkar, Arundhati Reddy shares her World Cup dream

Akshita Patel

Arundhati Reddy shares her journey ahead of World Cup [Source: @BCCIWomen/X.com]Arundhati Reddy shares her journey ahead of World Cup [Source: @BCCIWomen/X.com]

The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is about to kick off, and for Indian fast bowler Arundhati Reddy, it’s a dream come true. Inspired by the roar of India's past victories, the chance to play a 50-over World Cup on home soil is something she's "truly grateful" for.

Reddy’s journey to the national side is a classic tale of unexpected turns. Like many young fans, her first inspiration was the game-changing 2007 T20 World Cup victory.

Arundhati Reddy opens up on World Cup dream

However, it was the magic of the 2011 World Cup at home, especially with her hero, Sachin Tendulkar, on the team, that cemented Arundhati Reddy’s ambition of pursuing cricket as a career.

Talking to JioHotstar, Reddy said she always wanted to win a World Cup for her country since childhood, and with the home fans’ backing this year, the glory is achievable.

“To be honest, the 2007 T20 World Cup that India won inspired me to start playing cricket, but it was the 2011 World Cup at home, with Sachin [Tendulkar] sir being part of it and everything that happened that year, that really left a mark on me. The kid inside me always wanted to play for India and win a World Cup for the country. Now, that I have the chance to play a 50-over World Cup at home, I am truly grateful to God for this opportunity. Hopefully, we will win," Reddy said.

Interestingly, Arundhati revealed she never planned to be a fast bowler. Believe it or not, she instead wanted to be a wicketkeeper. On her very first day at the academy, her coach, Ganesh sir, asked her to bowl, and she was a natural.

“I never wanted to be a fast bowler. I always wanted to be a wicketkeeper. On my first day at coach Ganesh sir’s academy, he asked me to bowl, and it all came naturally. A week later, I told my mom I didn’t want to keep bowling and wanted to be a wicketkeeper. She spoke to him, and he told her that if I wanted to be a keeper, I could find another academy, but if I stayed there, I would be a medium-pacer. That’s how my journey as a fast bowler began,” she added.

When she tried to switch back to keeping, her coach gave her a choice: stay with him and be a medium-pacer, or find another academy. She chose to stay, and that's how her journey as a fast bowler began.

"Soon after, I was picked for Hyderabad under-19 and then senior-level cricket. It means a lot to me. There was a time in my career when I felt like I might never wear the India jersey again, and there were many questions about my future. But when I made my comeback and wore the jersey again, it felt really special."

That decision paid off quickly, leading to selections for Hyderabad's Under-19 and senior teams. Arundhati Reddy has also faced tough times, admitting there was a point when she feared she might "never wear the India jersey again." Making her comeback and wearing the jersey felt "really special."

Reddy faces injury scare ahead of World Cup

Ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2025,  Arundhati Reddy faced an injury scare. She picked up a knee injury during the warm-up game against England and was wheeled off the field. However, according to TOI, Reddy’s scans revealed no significant injury, confirming her fitness for the upcoming tournament.