Mixed feelings for Arundhati upon national call-up

Although delighted on getting the India nod, 20-year-old Hyderabadi player is sad that her idol Jhulan Goswami called it quits on the same day.

Arundhati Reddy with her family members in Hyderabad.

It was a mixed feeling for 20-year-old Arundhati Reddy of Hyderabad, who was named on Thursday, to represent India int he five-match T-20 internationals to be played in Sri Lanka from September 19. For Arundhati idolises the seasoned campaigner Jhulan Goswami, who incidentally announced her decision to quit T-20 internationals on Thursday.

“Yes, I am delighted at getting the call and also disappointed that I will not be playing alongside her (Jhulan Goswami). But, she will remain my inspiration to do well and I hope to live upto the expectations,” says Arundhati, the medium-paced all-rounder of South Central Railway.

A product of Sportive Academy of N.S. Ganesh, the all-rounder owed her entry in to women’s cricket to her fater — Venkat Reddy (also of SCR) — and Vidya Yadav, former convenor of BCCI women’s cricket (South Zone).

“Well, I do believe that I have been performing consistently in the under-23 category and also playing for India-A. What gave me the biggest satisfaction was when I claimed two for 13 for India Green against India Blue in the recent Challenger Series. For one of the wickets was that of Mithali Didi . I deceived her with my pace to see her give a catch to mid-off. That gave me lot of satisfaction,” says the Hyderabadi who played for India-A against English women early this year.

“Frankly, Mithali has always been very supportive whenever I bowled to her in the nets. She keeps advising me how to to improve with each match,” adds the medium-paced all-rounder.

“The best part of making it to the Indian team is that I will be in the squad for Sri Lanka series where the conditions should be similar to what we have. Hope to do well when I make my international debut,” signs off the young talent.