All-rounder Arundhati Reddy played the best knock of career on Tuesday, shouldering India’s innings against Sri Lanka in the 5th T20I in Thiruvananthapuram. The 28-year-old fired 27 off just 11 balls,
powering India to 175/7 after captain Harmapreet Kaur provided the much-needed push in the middle-order. Notably, the timing of Reddy’s knock stood out, coming just hours after Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered a major setback. Australian star Ellyse Perry has withdrawn from the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 due to personal reasons, leaving a significant void in the RCB setup.
Walking out at no. 8, Reddy batted at a strike rate of 245.45. She struck 4 fours and six and returned unbeaten on 27 off just 11. It was her best score for India in T20Is so far. She deepened her impact in the game by providing an early breakthrough to India in the second innings. She struck right in her first over, getting the prized wicket of Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Earlier this month, Reddy bagged a WPL contract worth INR 75 lakh from the champions of 2024, RCB. Although Arundhati did not feature in India’s playing XI during the World Cup, she remained impactful on the field. Her athleticism stood out, particularly a full-length diving catch to dismiss Sharmin Akhter in India’s final league match against Bangladesh, which emerged as one of the tournament’s standout moments.
And now, when Perry is going to miss out, RCB can look up to Reddy in the upcoming season of the tournament. RCB have named Sayali Satghare as a replacement for Perry, who will join the franchise at her reserve price of INR 30 lakh.
Besides Perry, Annabel Sutherland (Delhi Capitals) has also withdrawn from the upcoming edition of the league due to personal reasons. DC have named Alana King as a replacement for Sutherland. King will join DC at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh.
