• India are set to face Ireland in the 3-match Women's ODI series, starting January 10.

  • Smriti Mandhana will lead the Women in Blue in the upcoming battle.

5 Indian players to watch out for in the Women’s ODI series against Ireland
5 Indian players to watch out for in ODI leg vs Ireland

The Indian Women’s Cricket Team is set to face Ireland in an exciting ODI series, bringing together a blend of youth and experience. This series is not just about securing victories but also about identifying and grooming talent for future international assignments. With several young players stepping up and senior players taking on leadership roles, this series offers a golden opportunity to build momentum and test the depth of India’s squad.

Ireland, known for their competitive spirit, will provide a stern test for the Indian side. For India, the series also serves as a platform to fine-tune strategies, give exposure to promising youngsters, and strengthen the core group for upcoming tournaments. As the team looks to strike the right balance, the spotlight will be on key players who are expected to lead the charge and leave an indelible mark on the series. Here’s a closer look at such Indian players who could be game-changers in this highly anticipated series:

5 Indian players to watch out for in the ODI leg against Ireland

Raghvi Bist

Having made her T20I debut during the series against West Indies, Bist brings a youthful energy to the team. Although her international experience is limited, her inclusion in the ODI squad against Ireland indicates the selectors’ confidence in her potential. Her ability to score quickly and her fielding prowess could make her a dark horse in this series

Tanuja Kanwar

Kanwar’s recent performances have been noteworthy, especially in the domestic circuit and her maiden ODI series. She offers versatility with both bat and ball, making her an asset in the middle order or as a lower-order hitter. Her ability to adapt to the 50-over format will be under scrutiny, but her all-round capabilities could prove vital.

Also READ: India unveils squad for the Women’s ODI series against Ireland; Smriti Mandhana to lead

Smriti Mandhana

With Harmanpreet Kaur on the sidelines, Mandhana steps up to lead the team for the battle against the Irish team. Known for her elegant stroke play, Mandhana has been a consistent performer in international cricket. In 2024, she scored 743 runs in 12 innings with an impressive average of 61.91, which included key performances that earned her a nomination for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. Her leadership and batting prowess will be crucial for India’s success.

Pratika Rawal

A new face in the Indian squad, Rawal has quickly made her mark following her debut against the West Indies. She scored 134 runs across three innings in that series, maintaining an average of 44.66. Her performance as an opener alongside Mandhana could set a strong foundation for the innings, promising an exciting watch for fans.

Titas Sadhu

A young and dynamic fast bowler, Sadhu has shown promise with her pace and swing, particularly evident in her performances in domestic cricket and recent international outings. Her role in the team will be to provide breakthroughs, especially in the early overs, and her development into a key player is something to watch out for.

Also READ: India women’s cricket schedule for 2025: Ireland series, ODI World Cup and more

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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