Is Smriti Mandhana Ready to Lead India Against England in T20I?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, India's regular skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, is rested for the first T20I against England due to a head injury. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana steps up to lead the team, presenting an intriguing dynamic for the match at Trent Bridge.
Key Takeaways
- Harmanpreet Kaur is rested due to a head injury.
- Smriti Mandhana steps up as captain.
- India introduces N Shree Charani as a debutant.
- Sneh Rana returns to the team after two years.
- Both teams pay tribute to Air India plane clash victims.
Nottingham, June 28 (NationPress) India’s regular captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has been rested for the first T20I against England at Trent Bridge as a precautionary measure due to a head injury. In her absence, vice-captain and left-handed opener, Smriti Mandhana, will take charge of the team.
"Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested for the first T20I against England Women in Nottingham as a precautionary measure following a head injury sustained during the T20 Warm-up match against ECB Select XI," said a BCCI statement.
"She's under careful observation by the medical team and is recovering well. Smriti Mandhana will lead the side in her absence," the statement further noted. Notably, Smriti had conducted the pre-series press conference on Friday due to Harmanpreet's health issue.
For the opening match of the T20I series, India has given a debut to left-arm spinner N Shree Charani, while Sneh Rana makes her return to the T20I squad after a two-year gap. In place of Harmanpreet, Jemimah Rodrigues is set to bat at the number four position.
England, having opted to bowl first after winning the toss, has included Tammy Beaumont as a replacement for the injured Heather Knight at the number four spot. They have also selected three fast bowlers, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell, and Em Arlott, along with two left-arm spinners, Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith.
Prior to the match at Trent Bridge, which is hosting a women’s T20I series for the first time, both teams observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of the Air India plane clash in Ahmedabad on June 12.
Playing XIs
India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana (captain), Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, and N Shree Charani
England: Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Alice Capsey, Em Arlott, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell
Point of View
This development showcases India's depth in leadership, with Smriti Mandhana ready to step up. The emphasis on health and safety is paramount, reflecting a responsible approach by the BCCI. It’s crucial for the team to adapt quickly and maintain their competitive edge in this high-stakes series.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Harmanpreet Kaur rested?
Harmanpreet Kaur was rested as a precautionary measure due to a head injury sustained during a warm-up match.
Who is leading India in the first T20I?
Smriti Mandhana is leading the Indian team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur.
What changes were made to the Indian playing XI?
N Shree Charani has been given a debut, and Sneh Rana returns to the T20I team after two years.
Why was there a minute of silence before the match?
Both teams observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Air India plane clash in Ahmedabad.
Who are the key players in the England team?
Key players for England include Nat Sciver-Brunt, Tammy Beaumont, and Sophie Ecclestone.
