The Indian women’s cricket team selection committee has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, which will be played away from home. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team, and Smriti Mandhana will continue as vice-captain.
After a recent series win against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, the Women in Blue have started their preparations for the 2025 ODI World Cup to be held in India. The team will look to carry the same momentum when they play in Australia. However, the squad has not included explosive opener Shafali Verma due to her poor form. Shafali had a disappointing T20 World Cup in 2024 and couldn’t perform well in the New Zealand series, scoring just 56 runs in three matches.
Dayalan Hemalatha, whose ODI average has dropped to 12.12, has also been left out of the team.
Harleen Deol is back in the squad after recovering from a knee injury she suffered during the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) while playing for Gujarat Giants. Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh has also returned after missing the New Zealand series due to her board exams.
Senior players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh Thakur remain part of the team. The squad also retains some players who debuted in the New Zealand ODIs, such as Tejal Hasabnis, Priya Mishra, and Saima Thakor. Minnu Mani and Titas Sadhu could make their debut in the 50-over format during this series.
The India-Australia ODI series will start on December 5, with the first two matches being held at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The final match will take place at the iconic WACA in Perth.
India Women’s Squad for Australia ODIs:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Priya Punia, Jemimah
Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Tejal
Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Titas
Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Saima Thakor
Several Indian players are already in Australia, participating in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
