India’s women’s cricket team is gearing up to face Ireland in a historic three-match ODI series, kicking off on January 10 in Rajkot. This series marks Ireland’s first bilateral tour of India and the first ODI series between the two teams since 2006. With the ICC Women’s Championship cycle providing a platform for every team to showcase their potential, the series offers both sides a unique opportunity.
India, currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s Championship table, has already secured a spot in the ODI World Cup as hosts later this year. For Ireland, this is a chance to end the cycle on a high and achieve their first ODI victory against India after 12 unsuccessful attempts.
With regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and experienced pacer Renuka Singh rested for the series, Smriti Mandhana steps in as the stand-in skipper. The absence of these stalwarts provides an opportunity for the younger players to step up.
Speaking on the eve of the first ODI, Mandhana emphasized the importance of these opportunities, saying, “Tomorrow, whoever gets that opportunity, takes it. [So that] We have more match winners for India.”
She continued by reflecting on the pride of representing the nation and the hunger among the players to make their mark.
“It is an opportunity for two of the other young girls. I wouldn’t reveal a lot about [playing] eleven. But, whoever will get the opportunity, I am sure they will try and grab it with both their hands. Playing for your country is always a moment of pride. I am sure that all the girls take pride in it.”
The ICC Women’s Championship system has allowed teams to play against diverse opponents, a factor Mandhana believes is crucial. India, for instance, hasn’t played much cricket against Ireland in recent years, making this series a fresh challenge.
“Yeah, I think the ICC Championship system gives us a chance to play all the teams in the three-year cycle. Ireland, we haven’t played a lot of cricket against them,” Mandhana shared.
She also highlighted Ireland’s recent performances and the excitement of facing new opposition.
“They have played some exciting cricket in the last one or two years. So, yeah, I think sometimes playing against a new opposition is always very exciting. I am sure that we won’t look at them in any other way. As I said, for us, it is about going out and giving our 100 percent. But, yeah, we are really excited that we are playing against Ireland. I think it is their first tour to India.”
Despite Shafali Verma’s stellar domestic form, which includes topping the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy charts with 527 runs at a strike rate of 152.31 from just 7 matches including a best of 197, and impressive performances in the Challenger Trophy as well, with 273 runs at a strike rate of 140.72 from 3 matches so far, she continues to miss out on the national squad. Mandhana, however, clarified that Verma remains in the team’s plans.
“Shafali has got a lot of runs in domestic, so she is definitely in the scheme of things,” Mandhana said.
“I am really happy that she went back and got those runs. As a team, we do not have to think what is not there, because we want to go out there and have the positive mindset that we have a really balanced squad.”
Mandhana also spoke about the quality of the new entrants to the squad, adding, “The girls who have come in as well are really, really good. As I said, we will not think about what is not there or what is happening. I think the only thing is that we have to go out there and play good cricket tomorrow.”
India’s pace attack is missing experienced names like Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar, placing the spotlight on emerging talents. Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu are expected to lead the charge, while Sayali Satghare or Tanuja Kanwar might fill the gap in the absence of Renuka.
Mandhana acknowledged the contributions of senior players while emphasizing the opportunity for newcomers, “Renuka and Harman both have been really important members and they have played their part amazingly well,” she said.
“But of course, because they are rested, it’s an opportunity for two of the other young girls. Whoever will get the opportunity, I am sure they will try and grab it with both their hands.”
Ireland’s squad boasts promising talents, including all-rounder Orla Prendergast, who was their leading run-scorer and a crucial wicket-taker in 2024. Captain Gaby Lewis and senior all-rounder Laura Delany will also play vital roles, while left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire adds depth to their attack.
With the home World Cup looming, this series is more than just a bilateral engagement for India. The matches at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium will not only serve as preparation but also provide insights into how the team adapts to different conditions.
As India tests its bench strength and Ireland seeks a historic win, the stage is set for an electrifying series. Both teams have much to gain, and cricket fans can look forward to some thrilling action in the coming days.
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