The roar of the crowd, the gleaming trophy, the iconic celebrations – the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final had it all. But amidst the historic victory parade for India’s maiden title, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana made sure to shine a light on a hero who never stepped onto the field. Her heartfelt message for Arundhati Reddy, who played zero games in the tournament, has captured the soul of true team spirit.
The Silent Strength Behind India’s Maiden Glory
While Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 and Deepti Sharma’s match-sealing all-round performance (58 runs and crucial wickets) were the headlines of India’s 52-run victory over South Africa in Navi Mumbai , Mandhana chose to celebrate a different kind of contribution .
“People outside won’t know…” Mandhana began her emotional post, a phrase that instantly resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike . Her words were a powerful testament to the unseen efforts that form the bedrock of any championship-winning side.
Who is Arundhati Reddy?
For those wondering who this unsung hero is, Arundhati Reddy is a 28-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler from Hyderabad . A seasoned campaigner with 26 T20I appearances and 11 ODI caps to her name, Reddy is known for her dedication and quiet resilience . Her role in the 2025 World Cup was that of a support pillar – a constant, positive presence in the team huddles, the dugout, and the dressing room .
Her career stats speak of a committed player: a bowling average of 32.67 in T20Is and a reputation for being a team-first individual . Though she didn’t get her chance to bowl her trademark medium pace in the tournament, her impact was undeniable.
Why Mandhana’s Message Matters
In a world that often celebrates only the stars on the field, Mandhana’s gesture is a masterclass in leadership and empathy. It highlights a crucial truth in elite sports: a team’s success is a collective tapestry woven from every single thread, visible or not.
Reddy’s unwavering support, her dedication in practice, and her positive energy were vital cogs in the machine that powered India to their historic triumph. Mandhana, by publicly acknowledging this, has redefined what it means to be a champion, emphasizing that victory belongs to the entire squad.
India’s World Cup Final Performance at a Glance
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| India’s Total | 298/7 (50 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Shafali Verma (87) |
| Key All-rounder | Deepti Sharma (58 runs, 3 wickets) |
| South Africa’s Total | 246 all out (45.3 overs) |
| Result | India won by 52 runs |
This victory wasn’t just a win; it was a culmination of years of hard work, and Mandhana ensured that every single person who contributed, including the ever-ready Arundhati Reddy, was part of the narrative .
The Heart of a Champion Team
The images of the team celebrating with the trophy are now iconic, and in many of them, Reddy stands proudly alongside Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Radha Yadav . These photos are a visual representation of Mandhana’s message: this title was a collective dream, a shared burden, and a unified victory.
Mandhana’s focus on her teammate who didn’t play a single game is a story that transcends cricket. It’s a human story about loyalty, sacrifice, and the deep bonds forged in the pursuit of a common goal. In acknowledging Reddy, Mandhana has given us all a powerful lesson in what true teamwork looks like.
One could see her commitment to the team even though she did not get a chance in the playing eleven …lovely of Smrithi to acknowledge the unsung heroes