Shafali Verma Omitted From India Women's ODI Squad For Upcoming Series Against Australia

India's women's cricket team has announced their squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, starting with three ODIs on December 5. Notably, Shafali Verma is absent from the lineup. Her recent performances included only 97 runs in four matches at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and 56 runs in three ODIs against New Zealand.

Despite Verma's absence, Harleen Deol makes a return after recovering from a knee injury that troubled her throughout 2024. The squad will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. The team also includes wicket-keepers Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh.

Priya Punia is expected to open alongside Mandhana. The squad features experienced players like Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, and Renuka Singh Thakur. Young talents Tejal Hasabnis and Saima Thakor have retained their spots after impressive performances against New Zealand.

Priya Mishra continues in the squad following her debut last month. This selection reflects India's strategy to blend experience with emerging talent as they face Australia in this crucial series.

The full squad for the Australia tour includes: 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.

IND-W vs AUS-W ODI Series Schedule

• First ODI: Brisbane on December 5 at 9:50 AM IST
• Second ODI: Brisbane on December 8 at 5:15 AM IST
• Third ODI: Perth on December 11 at 9:50 AM IST

The series begins with a day-night match at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The second game will also be held there as a day match before concluding at WACA Ground in Perth. This tour presents an opportunity for India to test their skills against a strong Australian side.