India’s rising all-round star Arundhati Reddy has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February 2026, capping a stellar run that powered the Women in Blue to a landmark 2-1 T20I series triumph in Australia, their first on Aussie soil since 2016.
Selected ahead of Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana, Reddy’s eight wickets at an average of 10.87 and economy of 7.25 not only made her the series’ top wicket-taker but also etched her name in history as the pacer to take the most number of wickets (8) in a three-match T20I series, surpassing England’s Anya Shrubsole (7).
The 28-year-old right-arm seamer hit the ground running in Sydney, claiming a career-best 4/22 to snag Player of the Match honours and dismantle Australia’s top order. She kept the pressure on with 2/30 in Canberra and a clutch 2/35 in the Adelaide decider, proving her mettle on bouncy pitches that have long troubled visiting teams.
“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,” Reddy beamed. “Beating Australia at home is never easy, which makes this award even more meaningful.”
This maiden international monthly accolade arrives at a perfect time for India, who named their squad earlier today for a five-match T20I series against South Africa from April 17-27, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. Reddy earns a spot in the travelling party, signaling the team’s faith in her growing all-round prowess; batting cameos perfectly complement her lethal bowling.
Looking Ahead, Arundhati Reddy’s form injects vital momentum as India gears up for the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, hosted by England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. “This series win has given our team a huge boost of confidence as we build towards the World Cup,” she added. “We’ve got a well-balanced squad, and I believe we’ll be a team to watch.” With the Proteas tour as a key dress rehearsal, Reddy’s consistency could be the X-factor propelling India deep into the global showpiece.
In the previous 9th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, played in Dubai, hosted by Bangladesh, India, under the leadership of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, suffered a league stage exit for the first time in the T20 World Cup campaign, courtesy of their 9-run defeat against Australia, led by the stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath in their final league game fixture.
India will bank on her fire to keep the wins rolling heading into a crucial World Cup campaign in England and Wales.
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