India’s Squad for Australia ODIs: Fresh Faces

India's ODI squad for the Australia tour has undergone significant changes, with opener Shafali Verma left out due to inconsistent performances. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh makes her return after missing the New Zealand ODIs earlier this year due to academic commitments.  

The 16-member squad, set to play in Brisbane and Perth on December 5, 8, and 11, includes new call-ups: batter Priya Punia, allrounder Harleen Deol, offspinner Minnu Mani, and pacer Titas Sadhu.  

Shafali’s Struggles

Shafali has faced challenges in ODIs this year, managing just 108 runs at an average of 18 across six matches. The last time she was sidelined in the format, Yastika Bhatia partnered Smriti Mandhana as an opener, with Richa Ghosh batting at No. 3. This time, Yastika is likely to reprise her opening role, while Priya Punia could vie for the No. 3 spot.  

Punia, who returned to international cricket earlier this year following strong domestic performances, had limited opportunities in South Africa and the India A tour of Australia but now has another chance to solidify her place.  

Middle-Order Adjustments 

Harleen Deol makes her comeback after nearly a year. Despite limited opportunities in ODIs since her 2019 debut, she brings experience and versatility to the middle order. Tejal Hasabnis and legspinner Priya Mishra, both impressive against New Zealand, retain their spots.  

Bowling Reinforcements  

Fast bowler Titas Sadhu and spinner Minnu Mani, both with T20I experience, await their ODI debuts. They’ll complement senior pacers Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy. Spinner Asha Sobhana and allrounder Pooja Vastrakar remain unavailable due to injury and rest, respectively.  

Championship Context  

Harmanpreet Kaur’s team heads into the series fresh from a 2-1 victory over New Zealand, while Australia comes in strong, having swept Bangladesh 3-0 in March. The ODIs will be part of the ICC Women’s Championship, where Australia and England currently share the top spot. As hosts, India has already secured a spot in the 2025 World Cup.  

India's Squad:  

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 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, Saima Thakor.