Star player dropped as India women announced squad for Australia series

Star India opener Shafali Verma has been left out of India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Verma's exclusion came after a poor run of form, having scored just 56 runs in the recent home series against New Zealand. Moreover, the last of Verma's four ODI half-centuries came in July 2022 as well.

Another notable absentee in the 16-member squad is Shreyanka Patil, who didn't play during the New Zealand series due to shin splints. Moreover, she played in the T20 World Cup only after a period on the sidelines with a hand injury as well. Alongside her, D. Hemalatha, Uma Chetry and Sayali Satgare are the others who failed to keep their places in the squad.

Harlenn Deol and Priya Punia returned

Meanwhile, veteran player Harleen Deol, who last played for India in December 2023, has returned after an injury layoff. Deol suffered a knee injury while playing for Gujarat Giants, and could play just three WPL games this year and needed a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period too as well.

On the other hand, Richa Ghosh also returned to the squad after having missed out on the New Zealand series due to her Grade 12 board exams. Moreover, Asha Sobhana and seamer Pooja Vastrakar, who missed the New Zealand series after suffering injuries during the preceding T20 World Cup, have not been added.

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Meanwhile, batter Tejal Hasabnis retains her place in the squad after having played an important knock of 42 in the first ODI against New Zealand which allowed India to post a decent total after they were in trouble early on. Priya Puniya, who last played in a home ODI against South Africa and then played in Australia with the 'A' side, has been returned to the squad.

Series Schedule:

1st ODI - December 5, Allan Border Field, Brisbane

2nd ODI - December 8, Allan Border Field, Brisbane

3rd ODI - December 11, WACA, Perth

Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), 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