Neetu David, the former Indian spinner, has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming only the second female cricketer from India to achieve this honor. David, who currently serves as the chairman of selectors for the Indian women's cricket 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, including 10 Test matches and 97 ODIs. She is celebrated for her exceptional skills as a left-arm spinner, holding the record for the best bowling figures in an innings of a women's Test with an impressive 8 for 53.
In ODIs, she is the second-highest wicket-taker for India, with 141 wickets and the first female player from the country to reach the 100-wicket milestone in this format. Her standout achievements include being the top wicket-taker at the 2005 World Cup, where she played a crucial role in leading India to its first-ever final.
In her statement regarding the induction, David expressed her deep gratitude, stating that it is an honor to be recognized in the ICC Hall of Fame, which she considers the highest accolade for any athlete representing their national team. She reflected on her dedication to the sport and described the honor as a culmination of her journey.
David’s international career began in 1995 when she made her debut at the age of 17 against New Zealand in a Test match. She showcased her talent by taking four wickets in that match and continued to impress during the ODI leg of the tour. Her most notable performance came in late 1995 against England, where she achieved her remarkable 8 for 53 in Jamshedpur, although India lost that match by a narrow margin of two runs.
Over her career, David excelled in both formats, taking 41 wickets in Test matches and maintaining a stellar average of 16.34 with her 141 wickets in ODIs. Although she initially retired in 2006, she made a brief comeback in 2008 for the Asia Cup and during India’s tour of England. David concluded her domestic career in 2013, helping the Railways team secure the title in the 2012–13 Senior Women's T20 League.
This year, David was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside South African cricketer AB de Villiers and English legend Alastair Cook. Cook, who represented England over 250 times, is recognized as the country's highest Test run-scorer and century-maker. De Villiers, known as "Mr. 360," has scored over 20,000 runs in international cricket and set numerous records, particularly in ODI cricket.
The ICC Hall of Fame was established in January 2009 as part of the global governing body's centenary celebrations. The Class of 2024 will be honored with a series of events in Dubai this week, coinciding with the conclusion of the Women's T20 World Cup. Geoff Allardice, the ICC Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the significance of the induction, stating that it celebrates not only great players but also innovators and competitors who have significantly impacted the sport throughout their careers.