India’s women’s cricket team has undergone significant changes for its upcoming ODI series against Australia, with opener Shafali Verma being dropped due to poor form. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who missed the recent home ODIs against New Zealand due to board exams, has returned to the squad.
The 16-member squad for the three ODIs in Brisbane and Perth includes several new faces. Batters Priya Punia and Harleen Deol, legspinner Minnu Mani, and fast bowler Titas Sadhu have all received call-ups.
Legspinner Asha Sobhana, who missed the New Zealand series due to injury, remains unavailable. Allrounder Pooja Vastrakar, who was rested against New Zealand, is also absent. Other notable omissions include offspinner Shreyanka Patil, spin-bowling allrounder D Hemalatha, uncapped seamer Sayali Satghare, and back-up wicketkeeper Uma Chetry.
Middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, legspinner Priya Mishra, and seamer Saima Thakor, who all made their debuts against New Zealand, have retained their spots to face Australia.
The squad is led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and includes experienced players such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The team will be hoping to improve upon its recent performances, which have included a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand.
