In a landmark moment for women’s cricket and the Northeast region, Uma Chetry, the talented wicketkeeper-batter from Assam, made her One-Day International (ODI) debut for India on Sunday against Bangladesh in the final league game of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
Chetry’s debut marks the first time a woman from Northeast India has represented the country in an ODI, a feat that has filled the region with pride.
A Journey of Perseverance from Rural Assam
Born into a humble farming family in Bokakhat, Golaghat district, 23-year-old Uma’s journey to the top is an inspiring tale of determination and resilience. With limited facilities in her village, she began playing cricket on dirt roads with her brother and local boys. Her mother, recognizing her passion early on, gifted her a plastic bat when she was just three years old.
Despite societal challenges and financial hardships, Uma remained steadfast in her dream. She would walk 16 kilometers daily to attend training sessions before finally breaking into the Assam state team in 2017.
Building a Profile Through WPL and India A
Over the years, Uma Chetry’s hard work began to pay off as she made her mark in domestic and international circuits.
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WPL: She joined UP Warriorz during the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) as an injury replacement and became a regular in the 2025 season.
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Emerging Asia Cup: In 2023, she played a key role in India A’s triumph at the ACC Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Hong Kong, showcasing her growing potential behind the stumps and with the bat.
International Exposure and ODI Debut
Before earning her ODI cap, Uma had already represented India in seven T20 Internationals, making her debut against South Africa in July 2024 and featuring last in December 2024 against the West Indies.
Her ODI debut came after Yastika Bhatia was ruled out due to injury, giving Uma the chance to step in. She received her maiden ODI cap from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, a proud moment that highlighted her long and determined journey.
A Symbol of Inspiration for the Northeast
While the match against Bangladesh had no bearing on India’s semi-final qualification, it offered Uma a platform to display her skills at the highest level. Her debut not only adds a new chapter to India’s women’s cricket history but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes from the Northeast, proving that with passion and perseverance, barriers can indeed be broken.
Recent Career Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| ODI Debut | Oct 26, 2025 vs Bangladesh |
| T20I Matches | 7 |
| T20I Runs | 37 |
| WPL Matches | 8 (2024–25 Season) |
| WPL Runs | 72 (2024–25 Season) |
| Asian Games | Gold Medal (2023) |
Uma Chetry’s remarkable rise from the fields of Bokakhat to the world stage is not just a sporting milestone — it’s a powerful story of hope, resilience, and the boundless possibilities for women in sport.
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