India Women’s Squad for Sri Lanka Tri-Series & ODI World Cup Prep
The Indian women’s cricket team has announced a dynamic squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, also featuring South Africa. Commencing on April 27th at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, this series serves as vital preparation for the ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India later this year. The tournament provides a crucial opportunity for the team to refine their strategies and gain momentum ahead of the global event.
The squad showcases a blend of experience and emerging talent, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur returning after missing the Ireland series in January. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will provide strong support, alongside key players like Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, and Richa Ghosh. Experienced campaigners Sneh Rana, Yastika Bhatia, and Amanjot Kaur also make their return, bolstering the team’s depth.
Several exciting new faces have earned maiden national call-ups, injecting fresh energy into the squad. Kashvee Gautam, the highest wicket-taker among Indian players in the recent Women’s Premier League (WPL) with 11 wickets in nine matches, is a significant addition. Left-arm spinner N Shree Charani, who impressed with four wickets in two WPL appearances for Delhi Capitals, adds variety to the bowling attack. Shuchi Upadhyay, the Player of the Tournament at the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy in December last year, brings her impressive form, having taken 18 wickets at an economy rate of 3.48.
The tri-series schedule promises exciting contests:
* **April 27:** Sri Lanka vs India
* **April 29:** India vs South Africa
* **May 2:** Sri Lanka vs South Africa
* **May 4:** Sri Lanka vs India
* **May 7:** India vs South Africa
* **May 9:** Sri Lanka vs South Africa
* **May 11:** Final
While the inclusion of new talent is a positive sign, the team will be missing some key players due to injury. Fast bowlers Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Titas Sadhu have been ruled out, creating opportunities for others to step up. Notably, Shafali Verma remains absent from the squad despite a strong WPL performance, continuing her hiatus from the national side since the Ireland series.
This tri-series is not just about wins and losses; it’s about building a cohesive unit, experimenting with combinations, and assessing player performance under pressure. The management will be keenly observing how the new players adapt to the international level and how the team functions as a whole. The series provides a valuable platform for the team to fine-tune their skills and build momentum as they gear up for the prestigious ODI World Cup.
The Indian Women’s ODI Squad comprises:
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, Shree Charani, and Shuchi Upadhyay. With a blend of youth and experience, the team is poised to make a strong statement in the tri-series and build a competitive squad for the World Cup challenge ahead.
