As India hosts Australia in a series decider of a high-voltage ODI series on 20th September 2025, left-arm spin all-rounder Radha Yadav marks a special milestone in her journey. The 25-year-old is making her 100th international appearance for India, a moment that underlines her consistency, endurance, and impact since making her debut seven years ago.
With the Women’s ODI World Cup knocking at the door, beginning on 30th September in Guwahati, Radha’s landmark is set against the perfect backdrop of a team eyeing its first world title in the 50-over format.
Radha Yadav’s international story began on 13th February 2018 in Potchefstroom, when she made her T20I debut against South Africa. Just 18 years old back then, her bowling craft quickly earned recognition, as she provided India with a reliable slow-bowling option in the middle overs.
Over the years, patience, accuracy, and guile have become her biggest weapons. Often underrated amidst India’s spin-heavy attacks, Radha has consistently delivered in crunch moments, particularly in T20 cricket.
In her primary format, Radha has played 89 T20Is, bowling in 86 innings, where she has claimed 103 wickets at an average of 19.09 and an economy of 6.61. Her record not only signifies control but also game-changing spells that have turned matches in India’s favour.
Her best came on 29th February 2020 during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. Against Sri Lanka, she produced magical match figures of 4-0-23-4, earning the Player of the Match award and showcasing her match-winning ability on the world stage.
While known more for her bowling exploits, Radha has contributed useful lower order runs when required. She has amassed 93 runs at a strike rate of 95.87 in 26 innings, often providing quick runs under pressure.
Her ODI debut arrived a little later, on 14th March 2021, against South Africa in Lucknow. Though still shaping her identity in the 50-over format, Radha has shown glimpses of her potential. In 10 ODI innings, she has taken 9 wickets with an average of 52.55 and an economy of 5.54.
A defining spell of her ODI career thus far came against New Zealand on 27th October 2024, in Ahmedabad. Bowling with flight and control, she finished with 10-0-69-4. Although India lost the match by 76 runs, Radha’s resilience ensured that India stayed in the contest far longer than expected. With the bat in ODIs, she has scored 84 runs at an average of 16.80 and a strike rate of 86.59, hinting at her growth as a handy lower-order option.
Now, as India, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, looks to seal the three-match ODI series against Australia, Radha’s 100th game is poised well for a memorable moment. Crossing a century of appearances in international cricket at just 25 is no small feat; it reflects years of hard work, fitness, and perseverance in an ever-competitive field.
The timing of her landmark could not have been more symbolic. India faces Sri Lanka in the tournament opener on 30th September at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, marking the start of the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. As India strives to clinch their maiden ODI World Cup, Radha’s role as a dependable left-arm spinner will be crucial, especially against batting-heavy sides like Australia, England, and South Africa.
Her accuracy and ability to stifle run flow in the middle overs make her indispensable in the team’s bowling unit. If India is to lift the World Cup in front of home fans, Radha Yadav’s contributions will likely be decisive in their campaign.
From the dusty fields of Mumbai where her cricketing journey began, to shining on the world stage with 100 caps, Radha Yadav represents the modern face of Indian women’s cricket, a blend of resilience, quiet determination, and unshakable belief. As she registers one of the most memorable moments of her career, India will not only celebrate her century of appearances but also lean on her expertise in a season that could redefine the team’s legacy.
