Shafali Verma dropped as India name squad for ODI series in Australia

The BCCI, on Tuesday (November 19), announced the 16-member squad for India's upcoming tour in Australia in which they will play three ODI games. The Women's Selection Committee have made wholesale changes this time, with the main talking point being Shafali Verma's absence and the return of Richa Ghosh.

Shafali has seen inconsistent form in ODIs this year. The opening batter has scored 108 runs in six innings with the average of 18 and the highest score of 33. Besides her, Shreyanka Patil, Dayalan Hemalatha, Uma Chetry and Sayali Satghare have also been left out of the Indian squad.

Wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh is back in the squad after having missed out on the home ODI series against New Zealand in October because of 12th board exams. The same is the case with Priya Punia, who has recently performed well in domestic cricket. Punia last featured for India in the ODI series against South Africa back in June. 

Harleen Deol underwent a knee surgery and has earned her place back in team. She is currently captaining Team A in Senior Women's T20 Challenger Trophy and has replaced Hemalatha in the Indian unit. Minnu Mani, who led India A in the recently-concluded Australia tour, has come in place of Shreyanka who suffered an injury in the New Zealand series. 

Seamer Titas Sadhu will be looking to make her ODI debut after being picked up in place of Satghare. Tejal Hasabnis and Saima Thakor have retained their spots after successful display against the White Ferns. 

Team India enjoyed their previous three-match ODI series at home against Sophie Devine's New Zealand in Ahmedabad, securing a 2-1 win.

The first two ODIs will be played at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane, while the final ODI will be held at the WACA Ground in Perth.

India's squad for the 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

Schedule

1st ODI: December 5, 2024 - Brisbane - 9:50 AM IST onwards

2nd ODI: December 8, 2024 - Brisbane - 5:15 AM IST onwards

3rd ODI: December 11, 2024 - Perth - 9:50 AM IST onwards