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India’s ODI Squad Announced for Ireland Series: Harmanpreet Kaur and Renuka Thakur Rested
India’s ODI Squad Announced for Ireland Series: Harmanpreet Kaur and Renuka Thakur Rested
India’s preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI home series against Ireland have taken a new turn as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and pacer Renuka Thakur have been rested. The team, under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, will aim to solidify its standing in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship while providing opportunities to young talent.
Smriti Mandhana to Lead, Deepti Sharma Named Vice-Captain
Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the captain for the series, with Deepti Sharma stepping into the vice-captain’s role. Harmanpreet Kaur, who had sustained a knee injury during the T20I series against West Indies, has been given time to recover, especially since she also played through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a shoulder niggle. Renuka Thakur, the ace pacer, will also sit out the series to manage her workload.
Squad Analysis: New Faces and Key Absences
India has announced a 15-member squad featuring a mix of experienced players and young talent:
Full Squad:
- Smriti Mandhana (C), Deepti Sharma (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Raghvi Bisht, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare
Comebacks and Changes
- Tejal Hasabnis: Returning after a hiatus since her ODI debut against New Zealand in October last year.
- Raghvi Bisht and Sayali Satghare: Both players have been recalled, with Bisht debuting in T20Is during the West Indies series, while Satghare was part of the New Zealand squad but didn’t get a game.
Key Absentees
- Shafali Verma: Continues to be on the sidelines since the Australia tour.
- Pooja Vastrakar: Remains unavailable due to ongoing rehabilitation.
- Radha Yadav: Dropped after a lack of ODI appearances since her inclusion in the Ahmedabad squad.
Ireland’s Challenge and IWC Standings
India, currently third in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship standings, will aim to strengthen their position with a series win over Ireland. Australia has already clinched the top spot, leaving India to fight for a second-place finish. Ireland, debutants in this IWC cycle, have struggled throughout, sitting at the bottom of the table with only three wins and eight points.
This series also provides a platform for emerging Indian players to make an impact, given that India’s qualification for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup is already confirmed as hosts.
Fixture Details
The three ODIs are scheduled to take place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on:
- January 10
- January 12
- January 15
Highlights to Watch
- The return of Tejal Hasabnis after her impactful debut.
- Smriti Mandhana’s leadership and how she marshals the young squad.
- Deepti Sharma’s all-round contributions in her elevated vice-captaincy role.
Discover more on India Women’s Cricket Team News and Updates.
For Ireland’s team news and updates, visit ICC Women’s ODI Championship Standings.
