The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the Indian women’s cricket team roster on Monday for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh.
Leading the squad will be right-handed batswoman Harmanpreet Kaur, with opener Smriti Mandhana serving as her deputy. The team’s wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia.
This series marks India’s second visit to Bangladesh in as many years. In their previous tour, the ‘Women in Blue’ engaged in three gripping 20-over contests against Bangladesh, clinching the series 2-1 under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur.
The impending T20I series serves as crucial preparation for India ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, slated to be held in Bangladesh in September-October. Currently ranked third in the women’s T20I rankings, India will aim to fine-tune their skills in this series.
India’s performance in the last T20 World Cup was notable, as they reached the semi-finals but were defeated by Australia.
Having secured qualification for the upcoming T20 World Cup as one of the top six teams in the previous edition, India is keen on making a mark in the upcoming tournament.
Bangladesh, as the host nation, secured direct qualification for the tournament. Ranked ninth in the T20I rankings, they will be looking to capitalize on home advantage.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the Indian women’s team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on April 23. The series opener is set for April 28, followed by matches on April 30, May 2, May 6, and May 24.
The Indian squad for the five T20Is against Bangladesh includes: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Sajana Sajeevan, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Titas Sadhu.
