India Women Announce Strong Squads for Australia Tour with Key Recalls
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the women's white-ball squads on Saturday for the upcoming tour of Australia in February. The selection committee made notable changes, bringing back experienced players and introducing fresh talent.
Fulmali and Patil Earn T20I Recalls
Bharti Fulmali received a recall to the T20I setup after a strong performance in the Women's Premier League (WPL). Playing for Gujarat Giants, she delivered explosive knocks lower down the order, helping her team in both batting first and second scenarios. Fulmali last represented India in a T20I against England in Guwahati back in 2019.
Shreyanka Patil also returned to the T20I squad following an impressive WPL display. She claimed her maiden five-wicket haul for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against the Giants on Friday, taking 5/23 to secure a 32-run victory. Patil's last T20I appearance was in the 2024 T20 World Cup against Australia in Sharjah.
New Faces and Omissions
Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma earned her maiden ODI call-up after making her international debut against Sri Lanka in December. She retained her place in the T20I squad as well. Giants' pacer Kashvee Gautam also received a recall to the 50-over setup.
Radha Yadav found no place in either squad, marking a significant omission. G Kamalini was selected as the second wicketkeeper, with Richa Ghosh continuing as the primary wicketkeeper-batter.
Tour Schedule and Squads
India will play three T20Is and three ODIs during the tour. The first T20I is scheduled for February 15 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Additionally, a Test match at the W.A.C.A in Perth will take place from March 6, with the squad to be announced later.
India's T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), G Kamalini (Wicketkeeper), Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil.
India's ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), G Kamalini (Wicketkeeper), Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol.
The selection reflects a blend of form and experience as India prepares for a challenging series against Australia. Fans eagerly await the action, hoping for strong performances from the recalled players and newcomers alike.
