The numbers
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Arundhati Reddy has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February 2026, following her remarkable performance in the T20I series against Australia. The 28-year-old Indian pacer from Hyderabad led her team to a historic 2-1 series victory, marking India’s first series win in Australia since 2016.
Reddy’s exceptional bowling was pivotal in the series, where she emerged as the leading wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 8 wickets. Her bowling average of 10.87 and an economy rate of 7.25 underscored her effectiveness on the field. Notably, her best performance came in the first T20I, where she claimed 4 wickets for just 22 runs, setting the tone for India’s success.
In addition to her standout performance in the first match, Reddy continued to shine throughout the series, taking 2 wickets for 30 runs in the second T20I and 2 for 35 in the third. Her consistent performances not only helped secure the series win but also set a record for the most wickets taken in a three-match T20I series.
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.” She emphasized the significance of the victory, noting, “Beating Australia on their home turf is never easy, which makes this award even more meaningful.”
This series win has given the Indian team a huge boost of confidence 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 in England and Wales this summer.” Her belief in the team’s potential was evident as she stated, “We’ve got a well-balanced squad, and I believe we’ll be a team to watch.”
Reddy’s journey in international cricket began in 2018, and her growth as a player has been remarkable. Her selection for the ICC Player of the Month award came ahead of notable competitors, including Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana, highlighting her exceptional contributions during the series.
As the cricketing world turns its eyes towards the upcoming World Cup, Reddy’s performances have not only solidified her place as a key player for India but have also set high expectations for her future endeavors. Observers are eager to see how her momentum carries into the World Cup, where she aims to further elevate her team’s performance on the global stage.
With the T20I series win against Australia now behind them, the Indian team looks forward to building on this success. Reddy’s impressive achievements have undoubtedly set the bar high, and fans are excited to see how she and her teammates will perform in the months to come.
