After a triumphant campaign in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the Indian women’s team has returned to the BCCI Centre of Excellence to prepare for the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka Women, starting on Sunday in Visakhapatnam.
Continuity in the Squad
The core group that lifted the ODI World Cup trophy in Navi Mumbai last month continues to feature in the T20I squad. On Friday, the entire team dedicated themselves to an intense training session in Vizag ahead of the series opener.
Key Player Returns
Renuka Thakur, who missed the previous T20I series against England due to injury, makes her return to the lineup after a successful ODI World Cup campaign. Additionally, 19-year-old Vaishnavi Sharma earns her maiden call-up to the T20I side. The young spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the ICC Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup this year, claiming 17 wickets as India secured their second consecutive title. Following the practice session, she celebrated her birthday in a special way.
Looking Ahead
This series marks the first assignment for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team since their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 triumph last month. It sets the stage for both teams as they gear up for next year’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 1 in England and Wales.
India’s last T20I series took place during their tour of England in early July, where they clinched the series 3-2.
Dominance Against Sri Lanka
India has a strong record against Sri Lanka, having secured 20 wins in 26 matches. The visitors’ last victory in India dates back to 2014, coincidentally also in Visakhapatnam, where the first two games of the upcoming T20I series will be held.
The Indian women’s cricket team will take the field for the first time since their victory over South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at the Dr D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Team Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.