India’s final league match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 brought a special moment for Assam, as wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry earned her first ODI cap against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. The 23-year-old replaced injured ’keeper Richa Ghosh, who was sidelined after hurting her finger while fielding against New Zealand earlier in the tournament. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana handed Chetry her maiden cap just before the rain-delayed toss at the DY Patil Stadium.
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Chetry is now only the second woman from Assam to play ODI cricket for India, after Ritu Dhrub (2013–14). She has already featured in seven T20Is and has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, besides representing India A and UP Warriorz in the WPL.
From Bokakhat to Team India
Born in Bokakhat, Assam, Chetry has been one of the most promising talents from the Northeast. Known for her work ethic and grit, she climbed through the state system and eventually broke into the national squad which is a journey that now stands as a milestone for Assam cricket. Earlier, Riyan Parag became the state’s first male ODI player in 2024, and Chetry’s debut further boosts the region’s cricketing footprint.
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India made three changes for the Bangladesh clash, bringing in Uma Chetry, Radha Yadav and Amanjot Kaur, resting Richa Ghosh, Kranti Gaud and Sneh Rana. With a semifinal against Australia ahead, India looked to close the league stage on a strong note against an already-eliminated Bangladesh side.
As Chetry begins her ODI journey, she carries the hopes of young cricketers back home, especially from the Northeast, a region steadily finding its voice in Indian cricket.
