Overview
Reema Malhotra is a former Indian cricketer who represented the India women's national cricket team in international cricket. A right-arm medium-pace bowler and right-handed batter, she played One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India during the late 2000s and early 2010s. After retiring from active competition, she transitioned into cricket commentary and analysis, becoming one of the recognisable voices in women's cricket coverage in India.
Key facts
| Full name | Reema Malhotra |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | All-rounder (right-arm medium pace, right-hand bat) |
| National team | India |
| Formats played | ODI, T20I |
| Domestic team | Delhi |
| Post-playing career | Cricket commentator and analyst |
Background
Malhotra came up through the domestic women's cricket circuit in India, representing Delhi in national-level tournaments organised under the aegis of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which took over the administration of women's cricket from the Women's Cricket Association of India (WCAI) in 2006. Her performances in domestic cricket, including the Senior Women's One Day League and the inter-zonal competitions, earned her selection to the national side.
International career
Malhotra was part of the Indian women's set-up during a transitional phase, when the team was building towards greater participation in ICC events such as the ICC Women's World Cup and the ICC Women's World Twenty20. As a medium-pace bowling all-rounder, she contributed in both bowling and lower-order batting roles.
Domestic cricket
Representing Delhi in the BCCI's domestic women's competitions, Malhotra was part of one of the stronger teams in the North Zone. Delhi has historically produced several India internationals, and Malhotra featured alongside contemporaries who also went on to play for the national side.
Commentary and broadcasting
After her playing days, Malhotra moved into cricket broadcasting. She has worked as a commentator and panel expert on television and digital platforms covering women's cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the Women's Premier League (WPL), as well as international men's and women's series in India. Her commentary work has contributed to the wider mainstreaming of women's cricket coverage in the Indian sports media.
Significance
Malhotra belongs to a generation of Indian women cricketers who played before the introduction of central contracts (instituted by the BCCI in 2018) and the launch of the Women's Premier League (2023). Players from this period are often credited with laying the foundation for the professionalisation of women's cricket in India. Her continued involvement in the game through broadcasting has helped sustain visibility for former players and for the women's game more broadly.