Kashvee Gautam Steps in as Replacement for Renuka Thakur in Test Against Australia
Synopsis
In a significant shift, senior pacer Renuka Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming Test against Australia, with Kashvee Gautam named as her replacement. This decision comes as India looks to recover from a recent ODI defeat.
Key Takeaways
Renuka Thakur will miss the Test to manage her workload.
Kashvee Gautam replaces Renuka for the Test match.
The Test is scheduled for March 6 at Perth Stadium .
India suffered a 185-run defeat in the last ODI.
India won the T20I series 2-1 .
Mumbai, March 3 (NationPress) Veteran fast bowler Renuka Thakur has been sidelined from the sole Test match against Australia at the WACA Ground in Perth, with Kashvee Gautam stepping in as her substitute, as announced on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the BCCI, "To effectively manage her workload, Renuka has been advised to take some time off and will not be available for selection in the pink-ball Test. The BCCI Medical Team will be keeping a close watch on Renuka’s fitness recovery."
The Women’s Selection Committee has confirmed Kashvee Gautam as her replacement, noting that Kashvee is also a member of the ODI squad participating in the current multi-format series.
Recently, Team India faced a substantial defeat, losing by 185 runs to Australia in the third ODI held at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday.
While chasing an imposing target of 410 runs, India was all out for 224 runs in 45.1 overs, resulting in Australia completing a clean sweep of the ODI series at 3-0 and taking an 8-2 lead in the multi-format series. India had previously secured the T20I series with a 2-1 victory, highlighted by remarkable individual performances.
Smriti Mandhana led the scoring for India with an impressive 129 runs, while Georgia Voll shone for Australia, scoring 116 runs. On the bowling front, India had the advantage with Arundhati Reddy taking eight wickets, while N. Shree Charani contributed with five vital wickets.
The Indian women's team is set to conclude their tour with a Test match against Australia at the Perth Stadium, beginning on March 6.
In the earlier third ODI, skipper Alyssa Healy scored a remarkable 158 runs, and Alana King secured 4-33, assisting Australia in bowling out India for 224 runs in 45.1 overs and achieving a dominant 185-run victory in the third ODI of the multi-format series at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday.
This victory allowed Australia to clinch the ODI series at a 3-0 margin and gain a 6-2 lead in the multi-format series.
Previously, Australia set a staggering total of 409/7 in 50 overs after losing the toss, with captain Alyssa Healy delivering an outstanding performance scoring 158 in her final ODI and Beth Mooney remaining not out at 106.
India's chase got off to a rocky start as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for a duck by Nicola Carey in the second over. Pratika Rawal and Jemimah Rodrigues attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 52 runs for the second wicket before Pratika was out for 27 runs off 21 balls in the eighth over.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the implications of Renuka Thakur's absence from the Test match. This decision reflects the BCCI's commitment to player welfare and workload management, especially after a challenging ODI series. The inclusion of Kashvee Gautam brings new potential to the team as they strive for success in their remaining fixtures.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Renuka Thakur ruled out of the Test?
Renuka Thakur has been advised to rest to manage her workload effectively, as stated by the BCCI.
Who is replacing Renuka Thakur?
Kashvee Gautam has been named as the replacement for Renuka Thakur in the Test match against Australia.
When is the Test match against Australia scheduled?
The Test match against Australia is set to take place on March 6 at the Perth Stadium.
What was the result of the last ODI match?
India lost the third ODI against Australia by 185 runs, resulting in Australia winning the ODI series 3-0.
How did the Indian team perform in the T20I series?
India clinched the T20I series 2-1, showcasing strong individual performances throughout.
