India Announces Squad for Multi-Format Series Against South Africa

The Women’s Selection Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian squad for the forthcoming multi-format series against South Africa. The series, set to take place between June 16 and July 9, will include a Test match, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). 

Seasoned players Jemimah Rodrigues and Pooja Vastrakar have been named in the Indian squad, albeit their participation remains contingent on passing fitness assessments. This announcement marks a significant moment for both players, who have been pivotal in India’s recent performances. Additionally, top-order batter Priya Punia has made a return to the ODI side, adding depth and experience to the batting lineup.

“The selection of Jemimah Rodrigues and Pooja Vastrakar is subject to fitness,” the BCCI stated, emphasizing the importance of their health ahead of the crucial series.

Left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque, who impressed during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) last year and participated in the five-match T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this year, has been named as a standby player. Ishaque’s inclusion as a backup highlights the depth of talent in the Indian women’s cricket setup.

India will host the South African women’s cricket team for a multi-format series that includes a Test match, which is a significant event as it will be the first time in nearly a decade that these two teams face off in the longest format of the game. The series will begin with the Test match in Chennai, followed by the T20Is at the same venue. The ODI matches, which are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–2025, will be played in Bengaluru.

The white-ball matches were initially scheduled for late 2023 as part of the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, they were rescheduled due to the men’s 50-over ODI World Cup held in India last year.

Venue Details

Test Match and T20Is: Chennai

ODIs: Bengaluru

The series holds substantial importance as the ODI matches contribute to the ICC Women’s Championship, which determines qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup. For India, performing well in this series is crucial to securing a strong position in the Championship standings.

India’s preparation and performance in this series will be closely watched, especially considering the rescheduling and the inclusion of seasoned players returning from fitness concerns. 

The return of a Test match between these teams after such a long hiatus adds a layer of excitement and anticipation for fans and players alike. It also provides an opportunity for the team to show their skills in the traditional format of the game.

As the Indian women’s cricket team gears up for this multi-format challenge, the selection committee’s choices reflect a careful consideration of fitness, form, and future potential, setting the stage for an engaging and competitive series against South Africa.

India’s ODI squad for three-match ODI series:

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues *, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Dayalan Hemalatha, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana, Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Pooja Vastrakar *, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Priya Punia

India’s Test squad for one-off Test:

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Shubha Satheesh, Jemimah Rodrigues *, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Saika Ishaque, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar *, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Meghna Singh, Priya Punia

India’s squad for three-match T20I series:

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Uma Chetry (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Jemimah Rodrigues *, Sajana Sajeevan, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Asha Sobhana, Pooja Vastrakar *, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy

Standby: Saika Ishaque