Table of Contents
In a significant development in Indian women’s cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, scheduled to take place in Colombo. The announcement, made on Tuesday, April 8, has brought both excitement and surprise, as the team management has opted for a blend of experience and youthful exuberance under the leadership of veteran skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
Shafali Verma omitted again from Indian squad
One of the most notable exclusions from the squad is ace pacer Renuka Singh Thakur, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lingering injury. Her absence, coupled with the unavailability of promising young pacer Titas Sadhu – who is also nursing an injury – has prompted the selectors to look toward fresh talent. Another talking point is the continued exclusion of explosive batter Shafali Verma, who has not been able to reclaim her place in the Indian team since her disappointing run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Despite showcasing strong form during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 for the Delhi Capitals and posting consistent performances in domestic tournaments, Shafali remains on the sidelines, indicating that selectors may be seeking more consistency before considering her return.
Three players receive maiden call-ups
Amidst these notable omissions, three young players have been handed their first-ever call-ups to the senior Indian side – Kashvee Gautam, Sree Charani and Shuchi Upadhyay. All three have shown remarkable promise during the recently concluded WPL 2025, earning their place through merit and potential.
Gautam, who represented Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025, impressed everyone with her consistent wicket-taking ability. The 21-year-old right-arm pacer picked up 11 wickets at an impressive average of 18.18 and maintained a respectable economy rate of 6.45 runs per over. Known for her sharp line and ability to swing the ball both ways, Kashvee is expected to add depth and energy to the Indian bowling attack.
Sree Charani, a left-arm spinner who made her debut for Delhi Capitals in the WPL, also left an impact in limited opportunities. Although she featured in just two matches, she managed to pick up four wickets at an average of 17.75. While her economy rate of 8.87 indicates room for improvement, her ability to deliver breakthroughs makes her a valuable asset in the middle overs. Shuchi Upadhyay, another promising all-rounder, completes the trio of debutants.
Also READ: Here’s why South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp will miss the ODI tri-series against India and Sri Lanka
Harmanpreet Kaur to lead a transitional squad
Veteran campaigner Harmanpreet continues to lead the Indian side, a sign of stability amidst transition. With a host of young faces joining the squad and key senior players like Smriti Mandhana expected to shoulder responsibility with the bat, the team looks forward to making a strong statement ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.
Harmanpreet’s leadership will be crucial in guiding this young squad and helping them adapt quickly to international standards. The tri-series provides a perfect testing ground for India’s future stars, offering them a chance to make their mark in the ODI format. India will kick off their campaign on April 27, facing Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-series. They will next take on South Africa on April 29, followed by their second encounter with Sri Lanka on May 4. India will then play South Africa again on May 7, with the final scheduled for May 11.
India Women squad for the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay
Also READ: Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner marries her longtime partner Monica Wright; pics go viral
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
