Dynamic opener Shafali Verma has been excluded from India’s 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia.
Verma’s omission follows a string of poor performances, managing only 56 runs during the recent home series against New Zealand. Notably, her last ODI half-century was back in July 2022.
Another significant absentee is offspinner Shreyanka Patil, who missed the New Zealand series due to shin splints and has been sidelined again.
Patil had previously returned from a hand injury just in time for the T20 World Cup. Other players missing from the squad include D. Hemalatha, Uma Chetry, and Sayali Satgare.
The squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur and featuring Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, sees several changes. Harleen Deol returns after a lengthy recovery from a knee injury sustained during the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Richa Ghosh also makes her comeback, having missed the New Zealand series due to her Grade 12 board exams.
Selectors rewarded Minnu Mani with her maiden ODI call-up following her all-round contributions for India A against Australia A earlier this year.
Fast bowler Titas Sadhu also earns a spot after a standout performance in the opening T20Is against Australia in Navi Mumbai, where she claimed 4 for 17.
Sadhu, who last played in the T20I series against Bangladesh, had been sidelined by injury but returns to strengthen the pace attack.
Tejal Hasabnis retains her place after a crucial knock of 42 in the first ODI against New Zealand, while Priya Punia rejoins the squad after last representing India in a home ODI against South Africa and featuring in Australia with the A side.
India ODI Squad:
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.