India announce squad for ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, Kashvee Gautam earns maiden call-up

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the upcoming Women’s Tri-Nation ODI series featuring hosts Sri Lanka and South Africa. The tournament, which is scheduled to begin on April 27 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, is seen as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 later this year on home soil.

Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the Indian side, with star opener Smriti Mandhana serving as her deputy. The selection committee has gone for a mix of experience and youth, with several notable inclusions and exclusions. Three players, Kashvee Gautam, Sree Charani, and Shuchi Upadhyay, have earned their maiden international call-ups.

All three who impressed in the recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 have been rewarded for their performances. Kashvee picked up 11 wickets at an average of 18.18 with an economy rate of 6.45 for the Gujarat Giants. Charani, who turned out for Delhi Capitals, also made an impact in limited opportunities, claiming four wickets in two matches.

The squad also includes the likes of Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, and Sneh Rana. Notably, Shafali Verma, despite an impressive WPL 2025 campaign with the Capitals, was not picked. The young opener was dropped from the squad after a lackluster outing in the 2024 T20 World Cup, has yet to regain her spot in the national side. Meanwhile, injury setbacks have also played a role in making the squad. Both Renuka Singh Thakur and Titas Sadhu were not considered for selection as they continue their recovery from injuries.

India, who finished second in the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25, will be looking to bounce back in this tri-nation series.

The tournament will see each team play four league matches, with the top two teams progressing to the final on May 11. All matches will take place in Colombo, starting with Women in Blue's opening clash against Sri Lanka on April 27. The team will then face South Africa on April 29, before returning to action against Sri Lanka on May 4 and South Africa again on May 7.

India’s squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay