India Announces Squad for T20Is and ODIs Against Bangladesh; Newcomers Included, Shikha Pandey Left Out

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Women's Selection Committee has unveiled the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match T20Is and ODI series against Bangladesh. The highly anticipated matches are set to commence on July 9, and all six games will take place at the renowned Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur.

The selection committee has introduced several newcomers to the team, including wicketkeeper Uma Chetry, left-arm spinner Rashi Kanojiya, and all-rounders Anusha Bareddy and Minnu Mani (only for T20Is). However, notable exclusions from the squad are Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

The series will begin with the three T20Is scheduled on July 9, 11, and 13, followed by the three ODIs on July 16, 19, and 22. The ODIs hold significance as they form part of the 2022-25 ICC Women's ODI Championship cycle, which features ten teams competing to secure qualification for the highly anticipated 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, set to be hosted by India.

In the current standings, India reigns at the top with an impressive 12 points, having won all six matches played so far. Meanwhile, Bangladesh finds themselves in the eighth position with three points, following their defeat in two series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Notably, Bangladesh encountered significant setbacks as four of their matches were washed out due to rain.

The Indian side, led by the talented Harmanpreet Kaur, last appeared on the international stage during the Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa in February. Unfortunately, they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the semifinals, falling short by a mere five runs.

India’s T20I squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol, Devika Vaidya, Uma Chetry (wk), Amanjot Kaur, S. Meghana, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Monica Patel, Rashi Kanojiya, Anusha Bareddy, Minnu Mani.

India’s ODI squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol, Devika Vaidya, Uma Chetry (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Priya Punia, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Monica Patel, Rashi Kanojiya, Anusha Bareddy, Sneh Rana.