Who Is Neetu David, Only Second Women Cricketer From India To Be Inducted Into ICC Hall Of Fame?

Neetu David became only the second women cricketer from India to be inducted in the iconic ICC Hall of Fame; here's more about one of India's most celebrated cricketers of all time.

Neetu David, the former India cricketer, became only the second women cricketer from India to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on October 16 (Wednesday). Currently serving as the chairman of selectors for the Indian women's team, Neetu is one of India’s most accomplished cricketers. 

Diana Edulji, under whose captaincy Neetu played for India, is the first female ICC Hall of Famer from India, whose induction came last year.

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Who Is Neetu David?

Neetu Lawrence David was born on September 1, 1977 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. A left-arm orthodox bowler, Neetu made her India debut in 1995 at the age of 17, when she was called up to play a Test for India against New Zealand in Nelson on the back of impressive domestic cricket showings.

Neetu grabbed the opportunity with both hands and took four wickets in her debut match, earning her a spot in the ODI leg later in the tour. Later that year, she shone by delivering outstanding figures of 8/53 against England in Jamshedpur, a record that still stands as the best individual bowling performance in a single innings of a women's Test match.

Neetu David featured in 10 Tests for India and bagged 41 scalps. However, her achievements in the ODIs were even greater as she took 141 wickets in 97 matches with an outstanding average of 16.34. She is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket and was also the first female cricketer from the country to achieve the milestone of 100 wickets in the 50-over format.

Neetu played her last Test in 2006 and her last ODI two years later in 2008, marking the end of a 13-year long international career.

Neetu David Feels Honoured On Induction Into ICC Hall Of Fame

Neetu David has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside England great Alastair Cook and South African legend AB de Villiers.

“It is truly an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, something that I consider to be the highest recognition available to anyone who puts on their national team jersey. This comes after a lifetime of dedication to this great sport and it caps a very special journey for me to get to this point," David said after being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

“To be considered a Hall of Famer alongside the greatest players that ever lived is humbling, and I am thrilled to be part of this exclusive club.

“I would like to thank the ICC for the recognition, as well as all the BCCI, my teammates, coaches, family and friends that were a constant source of support throughout my career.”