NEWS
Follow UsIndia Women seamer Arundhati Reddy said she is a lot more “ready and prepared” than she was in 2021 when she was dropped from the T20I set-up. The right-armer played 26 T20Is from 2018 to 2021 and picked up 18 wickets @ 36.1 and an economy of 8 before she dropped from the team.
Arundhati made her comeback earlier this year, played three T20Is and managed to break into India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE. The 27-year-old didn’t have a great game against New Zealand but delivered a player-of-the-match worth performance in the second encounter against Pakistan on October 6 (Sunday).
The 27-year-old picked up 3/19, registering her best figures in the 20-over format for India. “It's been a long time, four years, but again, honestly with me right now the focus is to do well for the team,” said Arundhati after India defeated Pakistan by six wickets.
“I know I'm much prepared now than what I was back in 2020 but again I've come into this set up with a lot of confidence and I know I can deliver for the team as and when it's required. I'm just looking forward to keep doing that, keep continuing to win games for India.”
Also read - Better, faster and stronger: Arundhati Reddy continues to scale greater heights
Talking more about her improved bowling, Arundhati said: “Honestly, the last couple of years I've tried to really work on my bowling as a complete T20 bowler. There's a lot of work that's gone behind it. Because I wanted to be a bowler who can bowl in all phases.”
The Women in Blue lost their first match against New Zealand by 58 runs and their NRR took a massive hit. Once India restricted Pakistan to 105/8, they had a chance to chase it down quickly and improve their NRR. However, India took 18.5 overs to get over the line. Their NRR currently reads -1.217, meaning winning both their remaining games might not be enough to progress further.
“We understand net run rate is important but winning the game is more important for us. Like you said again net run rate will be in play especially in this group. Today the wicket was playing a little slower. So obviously, the batters could not. The main thing was to finish the game. But we've discussed about it. And we're looking forward to improve on it in the next few games.”
India once again dropped a couple of catches. Talking about their poor fielding, the seamer said: “As a team, we have been working very hard on our fielding. I knew there were a few lapses but we are happy as long as the team wins. Obviously, it's a work in progress, and I'm sure we'll get there soon.”
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here.
