Sree Charani in action during the ICC Women’s World Cup match between India and Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
| Photo Credit: File Photo
In a landmark moment for Andhra cricket, left-arm spinner N. Sree Charani became the first woman cricketer from Andhra Pradesh to represent India in a Test match.
The 21-year-old player from Kadapa district received her maiden Test cap from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana ahead of the one-off Test against England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, which commenced on July 10. Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) members congratulated her.
Sree Charani’s rise to the Indian team has been remarkable. She earned her maiden national call-up in April 2025 and soon made her One-Day International (ODI) debut. A month later, she received her T20 International cap during India’s tour of England, establishing herself as one of the country’s promising young spin bowlers.
Since making her international debut, Sree Charani has delivered impressive performances across formats. In 21 ODIs, she has claimed 27 wickets, while in 25 T20 Internationals she has taken 42 wickets at an outstanding average of 16.24.
In the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, Sree Charani emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. The left-arm spinner claimed 14 wickets in just five matches at an exceptional average of eight, playing a key role in India’s campaign. Cricket lovers expressed that Sree Charani was rewarded with Test cap following her T20 world cup heroics.
Before handing over the Test cap to Andhra cricketer N. Sree Charani ahead of her debut at Lord’s, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana made the moment memorable with a heartfelt message. Pulling out a handwritten note from her pocket, Mandhana read it aloud to the debutant.
She told Sree Charani that the experience of representing India in Test cricket would remain special. “When you retire, everyone will tell you, ‘Nuvve andarikanna best’ (You are the best among everyone),” Mandhana said, encouraging the young spinner to cherish the occasion.
Congratulating Sree Charani on her historic achievement, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) described the occasion as a landmark moment for both Indian cricket and Andhra Pradesh.
“A historic day for Indian cricket and a monumental moment for Andhra Pradesh. History has been rewritten at the Home of Cricket as Sree Charani makes her Test debut, officially becoming Andhra Pradesh’s very first woman Test cricketer,” the ACA said in a statement.
The association praised her inspiring journey. “From the domestic circuits to receiving her prestigious India cap at Lord’s, this is what dreams are made of. The journey has just begun and the whole nation is cheering for you.” it said.
Published – July 11, 2026 06:49 pm IST
