India have made a late change to their squad for the Only Test against Australia after pacer Renuka Singh Thakur was ruled out of the red-ball contest at the WACA Ground in Perth. Thakur has been advised to rest as part of a workload management strategy, leaving her unavailable for selection in the ongoing multi-format series. The BCCI Medical Team will continue to monitor her progress, but with the pink-ball Test imminent, Indian selectors moved swiftly to name Kashvee Gautam as her replacement.
Thakur’s absence marks a setback for India’s bowling plans in the Test, where seam movement and sustained pressure will be key against a strong Australian batting lineup on home soil. The 27-year-old had been a regular feature in India’s bowling attack, known for her ability to swing the new ball and bowl disciplined spells over long periods. With workload management increasingly emphasized at the international level, rest has been deemed the best course for her longer-term fitness.
Gautam, 22, earns the call-up on the back of a series of increasingly promising performances in the ODI leg of the tour. The 22-year-old is yet to make her test debut and has only played six ODI’s for India but has been impressive. In the first ODI at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane, she was one of India’s most notable contributors with the bat, scoring 43 runs off 44 deliveries. Her innings included three sixes and provided a much-needed positive counterpoint to India’s batting efforts as they posted 214. India went on to lose that match by six wickets, but Gautam’s willingness to counterattack stood out in a challenging chase.
The second ODI in Hobart saw Gautam contribute with both bat and ball. India managed 251 for 9, but Australia chased down the target with five wickets in hand, propelled by a century from Australia’s Georgia Voll. Gautam chipped in with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 47 in nine overs, showcasing her value as an all-round option.
Despite the overall series defeat, Gautam’s individual contributions have highlighted her growing maturity at international level. Her ability to adapt between batting and bowling roles gives India selectors a flexible option in the squad, particularly in red-ball cricket where depth and endurance are crucial. Though Gautam has yet to play a test match, the belief shown in her reflects the kind of performance she can deliver.
India’s tour of Australia has been demanding, with contrasting conditions and a strong home side pushing the visiting team at every turn. The ODI results were disappointing from a team perspective, but there were clear signs of fight from individuals such as Gautam, whose performances added substance to India’s efforts. Transitioning to the longer format, India will hope she can build on that foundation.
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