India Begins ODI Series Against New Zealand as Key Preparation for Women's World Cup

India is set to start their preparations for the Women's ODI World Cup with a three-match series against New Zealand, beginning on Thursday. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who recently faced criticism for India's early exit from the T20 World Cup, will be under pressure to lead her side successfully.

India’s performance in the T20 World Cup was disappointing as they failed to progress beyond the group stage, despite Kaur being the top scorer for the team. In contrast, New Zealand will enter the series on a high note, having recently lifted the T20 World Cup, showcasing a dominant performance.

Kaur, 35, continues to lead the team despite questions surrounding her captaincy. However, India will be without wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who is unavailable due to her 12th standard board exams. Additionally, experienced all-rounder Asha Sobhana will miss the series due to injury, while Pooja Vastrakar has been rested after picking up an injury in the T20 World Cup.

The series will see maiden call-ups for uncapped players Tejal Hasabnis, Saima Thakor, and Priya Mishra. Expectations are high for the opening duo of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana to deliver strong performances at the top of the order, setting the tone for India’s batting.

As always, much responsibility will rest on Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues to anchor the middle-order. The absence of Richa Ghosh’s power-hitting skills could be felt, but deputy captain Mandhana is expected to provide valuable support to Kaur, who is navigating a challenging phase in her leadership.

All three matches of the series will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

India Women Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, D Hemalatha, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Sayali Satgare, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Tejal Hasabnis, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil.

New Zealand Women Squad: Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wk), Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

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