Neetu David becomes second Indian woman to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

NEW DELHI: Neetu David , a former spinner who still holds the record for the best figures (8/53) by a woman in a Test innings, has become the second female cricketer from India to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame .

David, who currently serves as the chairman of selectors for the Indian women's team , follows in the footsteps of former captain Diana Edulji , who was inducted last year.

Throughout her career, David made over 100 appearances for India, featuring in 10 Tests and 97 ODIs as a talented left-arm spinner.

She is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in ODI cricket , with 141 scalps to her name, and was also the first female player from the country to reach the milestone of 100 wickets in the 50-over format.

One of her most notable achievements was topping the wicket-taking list at the 2005 World Cup, helping to propel her country to their maiden final.

"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. 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," David stated in an ICC media release.

David's international career began at the age of 17 when she was selected to play in a Test against New Zealand in Nelson in 1995, following impressive performances in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh .

She made an immediate impact, taking four wickets in that match, and was subsequently selected for the ODI leg of the tour, where India emerged victorious in the New Zealand Women's Centenary Tournament.

Later that year, David truly showcased her talent when she recorded remarkable figures of 8/53 against England in Jamshedpur, which remains the best individual bowling spell in a single innings of a women's Test. Although India suffered a narrow two-run defeat in that match, David's performance was a testament to her skill and potential.

While David excelled in Test cricket, taking 41 wickets from 10 matches, it was in ODI cricket where she truly shone.

She claimed 141 wickets from 97 matches at an impressive bowling average of 16.34, showcasing her ability to consistently trouble batters and maintain a tight line and length.

David initially retired from international cricket in 2006 but made a brief return two years later, participating in the Asia Cup and India's tour of England.

She played her final domestic match in 2013, helping Railways secure the 2012–13 Senior Women's T20 League title, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades.