The numbers
Arundhati Reddy, a 28-year-old Indian pacer from Hyderabad, has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February 2026, following her remarkable performance in the T20I series against Australia. Reddy emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the series, claiming an impressive total of 8 wickets, with a standout bowling average of 10.87 and an economy rate of 7.25.
Reddy’s best performance came in the first T20I, where she took 4 wickets for just 22 runs, setting the tone for India’s success. In the subsequent matches, she continued to deliver, taking 2 wickets for 30 runs in the second T20I and matching that with another 2 wickets for 35 runs in the third T20I. Her consistent efforts were pivotal in securing a 2-1 series victory for India, marking their first series win in Australia since 2016.
Reflecting on her achievement, Reddy stated, “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.” She further emphasized the significance of the victory, noting, “Beating Australia on their home turf is never easy, which makes this award even more meaningful.”
The series win not only showcases Reddy’s individual brilliance but also provides a significant morale boost for the Indian team as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales this summer. Reddy remarked, “This series win has given our team a huge boost of confidence as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”
Reddy’s performances have set a new record for the most wickets taken in a three-match T20I series, further solidifying her status as a key player in the Indian squad. She was selected for the ICC Player of the Month award ahead of notable contenders such as Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana.
Since making her international debut in 2018, Reddy has steadily risen through the ranks, and her recent performances highlight her development into a formidable force in women’s cricket. As she continues to evolve, Reddy believes in the potential of her team, stating, “We’ve got a well-balanced squad, and I believe we’ll be a team to watch.”
As the cricketing world looks forward to the T20 World Cup, Reddy’s contributions will be closely monitored, with fans and analysts eager to see how she and the Indian team perform on the global stage. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s final preparations and strategies as they gear up for the tournament.
