India’s women’s cricket team has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, set to take place in December.
The selection has stirred considerable attention, particularly due to the exclusion of dynamic opener Shafali Verma, whose recent form has been underwhelming.
Shafali Verma’s Exclusion
Shafali Verma, who has struggled with her performance, managing only 56 runs in the recent home series against New Zealand, has been dropped from the squad.
Her last ODI half-century dates back to July 2022, and she has not scored a fifty in her last 12 innings.
The selectors appear to have lost patience with the 20-year-old opener, as she has accumulated just 108 runs in six ODIs this year.
On the other hand, Harleen Deol makes a notable return to the national setup after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined her since December 2023.
Deol’s comeback is seen as a positive addition to the squad, bringing experience and versatility.
New Faces and Notable Omissions
The squad features several new players, including Minnu Mani, who receives her maiden ODI call-up after impressing during her captaincy of India A against Australia A earlier this year.
Fast bowler Titas Sadhu, who was part of the squad during last year’s home series against Australia but did not play, is also included again.
Other notable omissions alongside Shafali Verma include Shreyanka Patil, who is still recovering from shin splints; D. Hemalatha; Uma Chetry; and Sayali Satgare, all of whom were part of the previous series against New Zealand.
India Women Squad for Australia Tour
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Priya Punia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Saima Thakor
IND vs AUS ODI Series Schedule:
| Matches | Date | Venue |
| 1st ODI | 05, December 2024 | Allan Border Field, Brisbane |
| 2nd ODI | 08, December 2024 | Allan Border Field, Brisbane |
| 3rd ODI | 11, December 2024 | WACA Ground, Perth |
This series will be crucial for India as they prepare for the upcoming 50-over World Cup at home next year.
