The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Ireland, marking the latter’s first-ever bilateral tour of India.
In a strategic move, India’s regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested, and Smriti Mandhana will lead the side. Spin-bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been appointed as vice-captain. The series, which kicks off on January 10, promises to be an exciting prelude to the ODI World Cup scheduled on Indian soil. However, they’ve a been a few taking points.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Renuka Singh Thakur Rested
India will be without two of its star players—Harmanpreet Kaur and Renuka Singh Thakur—for this series. Harmanpreet, who recently returned to form with 88 runs in three ODIs against West Indies at a blistering strike rate of 139.68, has been given a much-needed break. Smriti Mandhana, who stepped in as captain during Harmanpreet’s absence due to an injury in the last two T20Is against West Indies, will once again take on leadership duties.
Renuka Singh Thakur, India’s premier pacer, has also been rested. Renuka was instrumental in India’s triumph over West Indies, bagging 10 wickets in three matches, including her maiden five-wicket haul. The decision to rest her is likely aimed at managing her workload and preventing injuries, given her history with a stress fracture.
Shafali Verma’s Omission Sparks Debate
Despite her stellar performances in domestic cricket, Shafali Verma finds herself out of the squad. Shafali was the top scorer in the recently concluded Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, amassing 527 runs at an average of 75.29, including a marathon 197 against Bengal in the semi-final. She continued her red-hot form in the Challenger Trophy with a match-winning 91 off 71 balls and 95 off 65 in back-to-back games. Her exclusion from the squad has raised eyebrows, especially considering her recent exploits with the bat.
Raghvi Bist Earns Maiden ODI Call-Up
Raghvi Bist earns her maiden ODI call-up after a series of consistent performances. The 20-year-old batting all-rounder made her T20I debut against West Indies in December, where she played two matches, scoring 5 and 31. She had a strong domestic season, including scores of 82, 70, and 53 against Australia A and two half-centuries in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy. Her selection reflects India’s intent to build a broader pool of players ahead of the World Cup.
Arundhati Reddy Excluded Despite Recent Success
Surprisingly, Arundhati Reddy has not been included in the squad, despite Renuka being rested. The 27-year-old pacer was India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, claiming seven wickets at an economy rate of six. She last played an ODI during the Australia tour, where she delivered figures of 4 for 26. Her exclusion raises questions, given her recent success and ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in international tournaments.
With the ODI World Cup on home soil just around the corner, the series against Ireland serves as a platform for India to test its bench strength. The inclusion of young talents like Minnu Mani, Titas Sadhu, and Sayali Satghare indicates a clear vision of building a robust squad for the future.
This India-Ireland series marks the first bilateral ODI series between the two sides since 2006. Ireland, who have lost all 12 ODIs played against India, will be aiming to script history, while India will look to extend their dominance. The three ODIs will be held on January 10, 12, and 15 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
India Women’s Squad for Ireland ODIs:
Smriti Mandhana (C), Deepti Sharma (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Raghvi Bist, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare
Loves all things female cricket
