In the crucial Group A match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, India Women was forced to make one change in the playing XI after the toss. 

Sharjah Cricket Stadium is hosting the India Women vs Australia Women match. It is the must-win game for India Women to stay in the semifinals contention. 

Australian captain Alyssa Healy is injured as she was seen on crutches before the toss. Tahila McGrath is leading the Australian team for the match, while Ellyse Perry is the vice-captain for this fixture. 

After winning the toss, the Australian stand-in captain Tahila McGrath had no hesitation in choosing batting first. They made two changes from their last playing XI as Grace Harris and Darcie Brown replaced the injured Alyssa Healy and Tayla Vlaeminck. 

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was ok in the toss as she was confident to chase in Sharjah. At the toss, she confirmed India’s only change as Pooja Vastrakar replacing Sajeevan Sajana. 

Asha Sobhana was injured after the toss

However, just after the toss, the leg-spinner Asha Sobhana was seen hobbling, as she was moved out of the playing area for the treatment. Importantly, Asha was in India’s playing XI, which was already revealed at the toss.

Radha Yadav joined as a replacement

Now, India Women can only bring the replacement in the playing XI after the nod from Australia Women. As Australia Women had no problem with the replacement, the left-arm spinner Radha Yadav replaced Asha in the playing XI. 

In the official statement, the BCCI said, "Asha Sobhana is unable to participate in the today's game against Australia after she suffered a knee injury during the warm-up on the sidelines of toss. The ICC Match Referee requested the Australian captain [Tahlia McGrath] who agreed to the request for a replacement in India's Playing XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring Asha's progress."

UPDATE: Ms Asha Sobhana is unable to participate in the today's game against Australia after she suffered a knee injury during the warm-up on the sidelines of toss.

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 13, 2024

The Women’s Premier League 2024 played a key role for many players including the Indian domestic player Asha Sobhana. While playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru she managed to grab eye balls and later on earned maiden call ups for the India Team for the upcoming Bangladesh series as well.

Asha Sobhana played a key role for RCB in WPL 2024

Asha was the second-highest wicket-taker in WPL 2024, claiming 12 wickets in 10 matches, at an economy of 7.11, with her best bowling figures being 5/22. However, she earned her call up at the age of 33 and she can be seen doing wonders in the upcoming series which is scheduled to commence on Sunday, April 28.

In an intervew with The Times of India, she said that she was very happy when she got to know about the her selection for the tour to Bangladesh.

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“I was very happy when I heard the news. After my good show in the WPL, I expected to be in the Indian camp. But getting the India call-up was a pleasant surprise. It felt good,” she said.

“At 33, my career is just starting. Age is just a number. Experience really matters when you go into bigger tournaments. All credit to the selectors, captain and vice-captain for having faith in me. It motivates me to
work harder. I have been working very hard for the last few years, especially after getting into the WPL,” she further added.

I want to give my best and make it count: Asha Sobhana

With the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup all set to take place in Bangladesh in the months of September and October, the five T20Is will play a great role for the Indians becoming used to with the conditions for the mega event as well.

“For the Indian team, it is a great preparation for the World Cup. We have a very experienced side. The conditions in Bangladesh will help our spinners. I want to give my best and make it count,” concluded Asha Sobhana.

India has named a 16-player squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Among the fresh faces are Asha Sobhana and Sajana Sajeevan, who have earned their spots based on their outstanding performances in the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Rising stars from the Women’s Premier League

Sobhana made history in the WPL by becoming the first Indian cricketer to take a five-wicket haul, achieving figures of 5/22 against UP Warriorz. With 12 wickets in 10 matches, she ended up as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the league, alongside Australian star Sophie Molineux.

Sajeevan made a splash in her debut game in the WPL when she hit a six off the last ball to secure victory for her Mumbai Indians team against Delhi Capitals. Batting lower down the order, Sajeevan scored 87 runs at an impressive strike rate of 158.18, which was the second-best in the tournament.

Leadership and preparation for the T20 World Cup in on priority

The squad, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, will kick off the series on 28 April, with all matches scheduled to take place in Sylhet. This series holds significant importance for both teams as they gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held later this year in Bangladesh.

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India squad update: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhan, Shafali Verma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Sajana Sajeevan, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu.