In a major shake-up for India’s women’s ODI cricket team, Shafali Verma has been dropped from the squad for the first time since December 2023.
This change comes after her disappointing performance, with an average of just 18 in six ODIs this year. With Verma out, and Yastika Bhatia sidelined due to a wrist injury, India now faces a challenge to fill the opening spot in their lineup.
Promising substitutes are, nevertheless, prepared to take over. Richa Ghosh is rejoining the team after missing the New Zealand series because of her board examinations, and Uma Chetry may make her debut in place of Bhatia.
Players like Titas Sadhu and Minnu Mani may receive their first opportunities in ODIs, and Harleen Deol , who hasn’t played in a year, is also making a comeback.
These adjustments are made at a crucial moment as India prepares for a challenging series against Australia, where they have never prevailed in an ODI series. With 28 points, Australia leads the ICC Women’s ODI Championship standings, while India, now ranked third with 25 points, might overtake them for the top spot.
Both teams need to win this series;
Australia needs to whitewash India 3-0 to keep their chances of winning the title for the third time in a row alive. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of India, is committed to maintaining the team’s poise in spite of the adjustments.
She has stated that she is a key member of the squad and that the team is eager for Verma to return, demonstrating her tremendous support for the athlete. In light of the forthcoming World Cup in India, Kaur has also underlined the significance of this series as a testing ground for up-and-coming players.
India is keen to continue their winning streak after defeating New Zealand 2-1 in their most recent home series. Kaur emphasized that the team is eager to play Australia, a nation renowned for their superb cricket, and that ODIs are their favored format.
This series gives India a great chance to demonstrate their abilities and get ready for the challenges that lie ahead, especially since the World Cup will be held in India the following year. Kaur’s ultimate objective is crystal clear: India wants to win, and each match in this series is a crucial step in that direction.
