Colombo, April 26 (NationPress) In the midst of the excitement surrounding IPL 2025 and the implications for the long-term national setup, the Indian women’s cricket team is set to renew its preparations for this year’s World Cup as they commence their ODI tri-series against the host nation, Sri Lanka, at the R Premadasa Stadium this Sunday.

This tri-series also includes South Africa as the third participant, and its timing is perfect for all teams involved. With the Women’s ODI World Cup looming less than six months away, this series serves as an ideal platform for the teams to identify players capable of leading them to victory in this prestigious tournament.

For India, the objective extends beyond merely winning the tri-series; they seek to resolve numerous questions, particularly concerning their bowling lineup. Following their disappointing exit in last year’s T20 World Cup, scrutiny will be high on whether India can clinch the ODI World Cup, especially on home soil.

Since the last ODI World Cup in 2022, India has fielded an astounding 33 players across 24 ODI matches, while reigning champions Australia have utilized only 17 players during the same timeframe. The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, returns to action post-WPL 2025, riding on a six-match winning streak in ODIs, although these victories were against teams not qualifying for the World Cup, such as Ireland and West Indies.

The batting lineup boasts stability with Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh. However, Shafali Verma, despite her impressive run-scoring in domestic competitions and WPL, has not been selected for the national team.

Instead, Pratika has been retained after amassing 444 runs in six ODIs, the highest tally by any batter in that span. Pratika, who recently showcased her skills in the multi-day senior women’s challenger games in Dehradun after missing out on WPL 2025, has a significant opportunity to secure her place in the ODI squad this World Cup year.

From India’s viewpoint, the composition of their bowling attack in the tri-series will be intriguing. With Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, and Pooja Vastrakar sidelined due to injuries, Arundhati Reddy is set to spearhead the pace attack. Arundhati had previously taken an impressive four wickets against Australia in Perth, yet was unexpectedly omitted from the six home ODIs.

Having returned to the fold after a lackluster WPL 2025, Arundhati now has the chance to solidify her standing in the squad for the future. Also noteworthy are seam-bowling all-rounders Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur. Kashvee emerged as the standout uncapped player in WPL 2025, achieving 11 wickets, making her the joint-top bowler among Indian players.

Her powerful batting capabilities add another dimension to India’s finishing strategy. Amanjot, who earned the Emerging Player of the Season title while contributing significantly to the Mumbai Indians’ WPL 2025 triumph in Pooja’s absence, is also vying for a similar role.

In terms of spin options, India has yet to finalize their preferred combination. While Deepti Sharma remains a constant, off-spin all-rounder Sneh Rana has made a return, but the team has not settled on a consistent left-arm spinner. Since 2023, India is the only side that has fielded more than three left-arm spinners, indicating their ongoing search for effective options.

Since parting ways with Rajeshwari Gayakwad, they have tested five different left-arm spinners - Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwer, Saika Ishaque, Anusha Bareddy, and Mannat Kashyap - but none have instilled enough confidence to secure a long-term position.

For this tri-series, India has opted for emerging talents N Shree Charani and Shuchi Upadhyay. Charani, from Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, made a name for herself while playing for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2025, while Jabalpur-based Shuchi was the third-highest wicket-taker in last season’s winning domestic women’s one-day tournament in Madhya Pradesh.

Additionally, identifying India's sixth bowling option is crucial since relying solely on five bowlers in a 50-over match carries inherent risks. With Harmanpreet not bowling frequently due to fitness concerns, determining who can step up as India's sixth bowler to provide timely breakthroughs will be an interesting aspect to monitor.

Sri Lanka boasts a formidable spin-bowling lineup featuring a returning Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kavisha Dilhari, and promising young player Malki Madara. Harshita Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne will be ready to assist their captain Chamari Athapaththu with the bat.

Conversely, South Africa is still acclimating to the new leadership of Mandla Mashimbyi. Without Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch, the Laura Wolvaardt-led squad is working to adjust to sub-continental conditions as they aim to make a strong showing in the World Cup.

Squads

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, N Shree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Piumi Wathsala, Manudi Nanayakkara, Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, Inoshi Fernando, Hansima Karunaratne, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya

Match starts at 10am on FanCode (TV and digital)