Indian cricket has earned another remarkable achievement as former women’s team bowler Neetu David has been inducted into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. Neetu, a renowned left-arm spinner, is only the second Indian woman cricketer to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of former Indian captain Diana Edulji.
Neetu David’s Impact on Indian Cricket
Neetu David, now 47, has been a pivotal figure in Indian women’s cricket history. She represented India in over 100 international matches, including 10 Test matches and 97 ODIs. With 141 wickets in ODIs, she stands as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in this format. Neetu also holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to take over 100 wickets in the 50-over format.
One of her most notable performances came in 1995 when she took 8 wickets for 53 runs against England in a Test match. This remains the best individual bowling performance in the history of women’s Test cricket. Neetu’s exceptional skills also played a critical role in India reaching the final of the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup, their first-ever appearance in the tournament final.
Currently, Neetu serves as the chairperson of the Indian women’s cricket selection committee. Upon receiving this prestigious honor, she expressed her gratitude, calling it the highest recognition for any player representing their country.
De Villiers and Cook Also Honored by ICC
In addition to Neetu David, two legendary male cricketers have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame—South African batsman AB de Villiers and former England captain Alastair Cook.
AB de Villiers, famously known as ‘Mr. 360’ for his extraordinary ability to play shots all around the ground, enjoyed a 14-year international career. During this time, he scored over 20,000 runs across all formats and set several records, including the fastest half-century, century, and 150 in ODI cricket. De Villiers is regarded as one of the most explosive and innovative batsmen in the history of the sport.
Alastair Cook, on the other hand, is England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket and remains a celebrated figure in English cricket. Cook, who captained England to great success, retired in 2018 after a career that spanned over 250 international matches.
A Historic Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket
Neetu David’s inclusion in the ICC Hall of Fame is a momentous occasion for Indian women’s cricket. Her remarkable achievements on the field, combined with her contributions as a selector, continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. With her induction, Indian cricket adds another feather to its cap, reinforcing the growing global recognition of its women’s cricket team.
