India unveils squad for the Women’s ODI series against Ireland; Smriti Mandhana to lead

The Indian Women’s Cricket Team has officially unveiled their squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland, scheduled to begin on January 10 in Rajkot. As part of their strategic planning, the squad sees several changes, with key players being rested and fresh talent being given the opportunity to shine. This shift in personnel not only reflects India’s confidence in their deep pool of talent but also sets the stage for younger players to gain valuable experience at the international level.

Key Players Missing Out

The decision to rest key players is a testament to the team management’s foresight and planning, with a view toward managing player workloads and ensuring they are in peak form for the upcoming international commitments. Among those missing from the squad are Harmanpreet Kaur and Renuka Singh, two pillars of India’s women’s cricket team.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the stalwart captain of the team, has been a consistent performer for India across formats. However, with a packed calendar ahead and important international engagements looming, Kaur’s workload is being carefully managed to keep her fresh for the more demanding series that lie ahead. Kaur’s absence means the team will look to other experienced players to take up the leadership mantle during this series.

Similarly, Renuka Singh, the fast-bowling spearhead, has been given a well-deserved rest ahead of future competitions. Singh has been in superb form recently, and the management aims to preserve her energy, ensuring she remains a key contributor for India in the long term.

Additionally, the squad will also miss the presence of Arundhati Reddy, Shafali Verma, and Radha Yadav. These players have been sidelined for various reasons, leaving gaps in the squad that others will look to fill. Though their absence will be felt, it highlights India’s depth in talent, with the opportunity for younger players to step into the spotlight.

Smriti Mandhana to Lead the Women in Blue

With Harmanpreet Kaur sidelined, Smriti Mandhana will take over the leadership role for the series against Ireland. Mandhana is no stranger to leadership, having captained the side in Kaur’s absence on previous occasions. Her leadership style is marked by calmness and clarity, which has allowed her to thrive both as a captain and as one of India’s most consistent batters.

Mandhana’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen make her the ideal leader to guide India through this important series. Having been one of the standout performers in women’s cricket globally, Mandhana has the experience and the ability to inspire her teammates. She will look to carry that leadership into this series and set the stage for what could be another dominant run for India.

Supporting Mandhana will be Deepti Sharma, who has been appointed as the vice-captain. Deepti’s vast experience and maturity make her an invaluable asset to the leadership group. Having been part of the team for several years, Deepti brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the game, making her an ideal second-in-command. Her all-round abilities will also be crucial to India’s success in the series.

Together, Mandhana and Deepti will form a strong leadership duo, guiding the squad through the challenges of the series with confidence and strategic foresight.

New Faces in the Squad: A Chance for Fresh Talent

This series presents an excellent opportunity for some fresh faces to prove their mettle and stake a claim for a regular spot in the playing XI. Among the new inclusions are Raghvi Bist and Sayali Satghare, both of whom are being given a chance to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Raghvi Bist: Making Her Mark in International Cricket

Raghvi Bist made her T20I debut in December 2024 against the West Indies in Navi Mumbai, where she impressed with her performances. Scoring 5 runs and 31 runs in her two games, Bist displayed a calm temperament and a solid technique, which caught the selectors’ attention. Her inclusion in the ODI squad represents a recognition of her potential and a chance to further establish herself in the Indian setup.

Bist’s all-round abilities make her a promising prospect for the team. Whether with the bat or in the field, she is expected to bring added depth to India’s squad. The Ireland series will be her chance to earn a place in the playing XI and make a significant impact.

Sayali Satghare: Ready to Make Her Debut

Another exciting inclusion is Sayali Satghare, who was initially called up for the ODIs against New Zealand in October 2024 but did not get a chance to play. Satghare will be eager to make her mark this time around. Known for her skillful bowling, Satghare’s inclusion adds balance to the squad, especially in the spin department.

Satghare has been part of the Indian domestic circuit for a while and has consistently performed well, earning her spot in the national team. This series against Ireland will be an opportunity for Satghare to show why she deserves a regular place in the squad.

Tanuja Kanwar and Pratika Rawal Retained

Both Tanuja Kanwar and Pratika Rawal made their debuts for India during the West Indies ODIs in Vadodara and have retained their places in the squad for the Ireland series. Their inclusion speaks volumes about the faith the selectors have in their potential.

Pratika Rawal, a promising talent, made an immediate impact during her debut series, and she will look to build on that experience in the upcoming series. Rawal’s consistency with the bat and her ability to adapt to different match situations make her a valuable asset to the team.

Similarly, Tanuja Kanwar impressed with her bowling during her debut and will aim to continue her strong performances in the Ireland series. Her ability to create breakthroughs and control the flow of runs makes her an important part of India’s bowling attack.

India’s Squad for the Ireland ODIs

The squad announced for the series against Ireland includes the following players:

• Smriti Mandhana (captain)
• Deepti Sharma (vice-captain)
• Pratika Rawal
• Harleen Deol
• Jemimah Rodrigues
• Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper)
• Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
• Tejal Hasabnis
• Raghvi Bist
• Minnu Mani
• Priya Mishra
• Tanuja Kanwar
• Titas Sadhu
• Saima Thakor
• Sayali Satghare

What Lies Ahead for India

This ODI series against Ireland presents an exciting opportunity for India to assess their bench strength and give young players a chance to prove themselves. While some key players are absent, the depth in the squad ensures that India remains a formidable force in women’s cricket.

With Smriti Mandhana at the helm and a blend of experienced players and fresh talent in the squad, India will look to dominate the series and continue their unbeaten run in the women’s game. The young players, in particular, will have a chance to make their mark on the international stage and claim their place in the squad for future engagements.

The ODI series will also serve as a platform for the team to prepare for larger challenges on the global stage, including the ICC Women’s World Cup and other major tournaments on the horizon. As India prepares to face Ireland, they will aim for a dominant series victory and further solidify their position as one of the top teams in women’s cricket.

For the fresh faces in the squad, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills and cement their place in the Indian women’s cricket team. It is a time of change, growth, and opportunity—one that promises an exciting future for women’s cricket in India.

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