Sree Charani, the 21-year-old left-arm spinner from Yerramalla Palli village in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district, overcame significant hurdles to play a key role in India's 2025 Women's World Cup victory. She claimed 14 wickets in nine matches, showcasing ice-cool confidence on the grand stage.
Sree Charani's story is one of inspiration, rising from a non-sporting family in rural Andhra Pradesh to become a key architect of India's 2025 Women's World Cup triumph. Hailing from Yerramalla Palli village in Kadapa district, the 21-year-old left-arm spinner took 14 wickets in nine matches, displaying remarkable composure despite her relative inexperience on the international stage.
Midway through the tournament, with India struggling after three consecutive losses, her father Chandra Shekhar Reddy asked tensely, 'You are losing all the games, how are you going to win the World Cup?' Charani replied coolly, 'We are going to win no matter what, just see.' Her words proved prophetic as India clinched the title.
Growing up, Charani dabbled in kho-kho, badminton, and long-distance running at DAV School. Her physical education instructor Naresh described her as 'god’s gift,' noting how she once finished a 3km race alongside boys. Selected for the SAI athletics center in Hyderabad, she insisted on pursuing cricket instead, influenced by her uncle Kishore Reddy, a former kho-kho player.
Her father, who worked at Rayalaseema Thermal Power Station, introduced her to the game with plastic bats. Despite relatives' skepticism, he gave her freedom, saying, 'Don’t give us a bad name.' Guidance from former selector MSK Prasad and coach Marripuri Suresh launched her professional career.
Post-victory, Delhi Capitals acquired her for Rs 1.3 crore in the auction, yet she remains grounded, practicing on the old grounds in the power station quarters and offering prayers at the Chennakesava Swamy temple. Her uncle recalls, 'She is very self-aware. If there is a problem in her game, she just goes on practising until she perfects it.' Her mother Renuka adds that Charani never panics, often asking why they do during matches.
