Verma Dropped from India's ODI Squad for Australia Tour

India's women's cricket team has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, with notable changes. Opener Shafali Verma has been left out due to a string of poor performances, while wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh makes her return after missing the New Zealand series because of board exams.  

The squad includes fresh call-ups for Priya Punia, Harleen Deol, Minnu Mani, and fast bowler Titas Sadhu. The three-match ODI series, scheduled for December 5, 8, and 11 in Brisbane and Perth, will form part of the ICC Women's Championship.  

Shafali’s omission follows a lacklustre ODI season, scoring only 108 runs at an average of 18 across six matches this year. Her absence opens up opportunities for Yastika Bhatia to pair with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order, with Punia potentially auditioning for the No. 3 spot.  

Deol’s return is another key inclusion. The middle-order batter last played an ODI against Australia in 2023 and is looking to solidify her position in the format. Meanwhile, Sadhu and Mani, both uncapped in ODIs, will provide depth in the bowling department alongside experienced pacers Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy.  

The squad also retains performers from the recent New Zealand series, including legspinner Priya Mishra and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, who impressed in their debuts. However, players like D Hemalatha, Shreyanka Patil, and Sayali Satghare miss out.  

India enters the series following a 2-1 victory against New Zealand, while Australia’s last ODI series in March saw them defeat Bangladesh by the same margin. These matches will be vital for both teams as part of the Championship, with Australia and England leading the table. India has already qualified for the 2025 World Cup as hosts.  

India Squad for ODIs Against Australia: 

Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, 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.