The Indian women’s cricket team has announced their 18-member squad for the upcoming limited-overs tour of Bangladesh. The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will play three T20Is and as many ODIs against Bangladesh, starting from July 9 in Mirpur.
The squad announcement has raised eyebrows due to the exclusion of some notable players. Right-arm pacer Renuka Singh and Richa Ghosh have been left out, while young off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has also been ignored. Patil, who recently shone in India’s triumph at the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Hong Kong, was expected to make her debut in the senior side. Her exclusion has left fans and experts questioning the selectors’ decision.
The reason behind Ghosh’s omission remains unclear, leaving everyone puzzled. The wicket-keeper batter was considered to be a strong contender for the squad, but for reasons unknown, she has been left out.
It has been confirmed that Renuka Singh will not be part of the squad for the entire series as she is currently nursing an injury. This explains her absence from the list of selected players.
The squad features two wicketkeepers – Yastika Bhatia and Uma Chetry – adding depth to the team’s batting order. While Sneh Rana has found a place in the ODI team, she has been omitted from the T20 squad. On the other hand, S Meghana has been included in the T20 squad but not in the 50-over squad, adding further intrigue to the squad selection.
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team, with Smriti Mandhana serving as her deputy. Both players are expected to play crucial roles in guiding the team to victory. With an impressive mix of experienced players and talented newcomers, India will be hoping to put on a strong performance against Bangladesh on their home turf.
The tour is set to commence with the first T20I on July 9, followed by two more matches on July 11 and 13. The three ODIs will take place on July 16, 19, and 22, all at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur.
As the team gears up for the series, fans and supporters eagerly await their performances on the field. The selected players will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and make a mark for themselves in international cricket. All eyes will be on Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and the rest of the squad as they aim to bring glory to Indian cricket.