Trouble for India ahead of Women’s ODI World Cup! Arundhati Reddy injured during a warm-up match News24 –
With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup just days away, Team India has been dealt a significant blow, as key pacer Arundhati Reddy suffered a serious injury during a warm-up game against England on Thursday in Bengaluru. The sight of Reddy being wheelchaired off the field after a freak accident has cast a cloud of concern over India’s preparations for the marquee event.
— ICC (@ICC) September 25, 2025
Freak Injury Halts Reddy’s Spell
The incident occurred during Reddy’s follow-through after delivering a ball to England captain Heather Knight. Having already dismissed opener Amy Jones and bowling with visible rhythm, Reddy looked poised to grab a return catch when Knight drove one firmly back at her. But as she attempted to adjust her body to complete the catch, she landed awkwardly on her left leg and collapsed in clear pain.
Medical staff rushed to the field and tried assisting her off, but the severity of the injury meant a wheelchair had to be brought in – a distressing image for the Indian dugout just a week before the World Cup opener.
Doubt Over World Cup Participation
According to the ICC, there are now serious doubts over Reddy’s availability for the tournament. An official update is still awaited, but with the injury coming so close to the start of India’s campaign, the team management may be forced to consider backup options.
Reddy’s absence could leave a gaping hole in India’s pace attack. Since making her ODI debut last year, the right-arm seamer has impressed in patches, claiming 15 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 32.66, including a standout spell of 4/26.
Her recent form also spoke volumes – four wickets in two ODIs against Australia, including a fiery three-wicket haul in Delhi. In 2025, she has already picked up seven wickets in six matches, providing both breakthroughs and control in the middle overs.
A Timely Setback for Team India
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. India are preparing for their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on September 30 in Guwahati, and while the warm-up games are meant to fine-tune combinations, they now have a much bigger concern to address.
Having been finalists twice in 2005 and again in 2017 – India enters this World Cup with the pressure of playing at home and expectations of going one step further to finally lift their maiden title. The recent 1-2 series loss to Australia had already exposed some inconsistencies, and now, Reddy’s potential unavailability adds to the list of challenges for skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and the team.
Match Situation at the Time of Injury
At the time of the incident, England were cruising at 214/3 in 36 overs, after India had elected to field first. The warm-up clash was expected to offer valuable match time, but the unfortunate turn of events has shifted focus to injury management and squad depth.
What Next?
All eyes are now on the Indian camp and the medical team’s assessment of Arundhati Reddy’s injury. Whether she recovers in time or a replacement is announced will be crucial not just for team balance but also for morale ahead of the tournament.
In a format where momentum is key and home advantage can be both a blessing and a burden, India must now rally together and navigate this early setback with clarity and composure.