The Indian women begin the ODI leg of their multi-format tour of Australia with the first match scheduled at Brisbane, on 24 February 2026 — a day/night fixture that will set the tone for the three-match 50-over series. Coming off a hard-fought 2-1 T20I series win, India will look to carry confidence into a format where Australia have traditionally been strong. In a contest that promises high stakes and quality clashes, three Indian players stand out as pivotal figures who could influence how the series opener unfolds.
Smriti Mandhana:
Mandhana remains India’s biggest batting weapon in the ODI format. The left-handed opener has an outstanding record against Australia, scoring 996 runs in 20 ODIs at an average just under 50. Her tally includes four centuries and six fifties, underlining her consistency against one of the strongest bowling attacks in the world. Even more striking is her recent run against them. In her last five ODI innings versus Australia, she has recorded scores of 105, 58, 117, 125 and 80. Few players in world cricket have dominated this opposition so consistently.
Her 105 in the last ODI India played in Australia highlighted her ability to adapt to local conditions. On larger Australian grounds that demand sharp placement and fitness between the wickets, Mandhana combined elegant strokeplay with controlled aggression. That innings reaffirmed her appetite for big runs away from home. She also arrives in strong form following the T20I series in Australia. In the deciding match of that series, Mandhana struck 82 off 55 balls, guiding India to a 2-1 series victory. The knock showcased her ability to pace an innings, accelerate when required and handle pressure in crunch situations. If she negotiates the new ball in the first ODI, she has the game to bat deep and set the platform for a substantial total.
Jemimah Rodrigues:
Jemimah Rodrigues provides both stability and attacking flair. With 1749 ODI runs and three centuries to her name at the strike rate of 89.83, she has developed into one of India’s most dependable batters. Against Australia, she has demonstrated the temperament needed for big occasions. Her unbeaten 127 in a high-pressure World Cup encounter against them during the 2025 tournament, where India chased down 339, stands as one of the most memorable innings in recent history.
Rodrigues also carried impressive form into the T20I series in Australia. In the series decider, she compiled 59 and stitched together a crucial partnership with Smriti Mandhana that swung the match in India’s favour. Her ability to rotate strike against disciplined bowling and then shift gears in the closing overs makes her particularly valuable in ODI cricket. On surfaces that can offer bounce and carry, her back foot play and crisp timing are significant assets.
N Sree Charani:
N Sree Charani has quietly established herself as a dependable option in the ODI setup. In 18 ODI matches, she has taken 23 wickets at an average of 36,65 and an economy rate of 5.32. Those numbers reflect her role as a controlling spinner who can build pressure while still providing breakthroughs. Her recent T20I performance in Australia further highlights her growing impact. In the three match T20I series, Charani picked up 5 wickets at an average of 14, demonstrating her ability to strike regularly while maintaining control. That return underlines her confidence and adaptability in Australian conditions.
As a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Charani’s discipline in line and length allows India to manage the middle overs effectively. Even in conditions that may initially favour seamers, her ability to vary pace and draw batters into mistakes can be crucial once the ball softens. Her experience in major tournaments has also given her exposure to high quality batting units, including Australia.
Loves all things female cricket