Mandhana-Led India Set to Test Combinations Ahead of ODI World Cup India will take on Ireland in a three-match ODI series starting January 10 in Rajkot, which will be Ireland’s first bilateral tour of any country. This series is important to note as this is India’s last series in ODIs before they play the T20s, the next ODI series has been set for July against England. For Ireland, sitting at the bottom of the Women’s Championship standings, this series is a good opportunity to finish the tournament on a high note by winning their first ever ODI against India. Spotlight on Young Talent Under Mandhana’s Leadership Smriti Mandhana, has been appointed to this role with regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur unavailable. This is a matter of concerns since it’s her second ODI series as a captain, the last being deals against New Zealand. India will also miss the services of Ranuka Singh, India’s fast bowling spearhead and the leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded Windies tour. Mandhana will captain a relatively young and I would say inexperience side, hence making way for more opportunities for India to tinker with the squad and strengthen their chances of winning the ODI World Cup set for later this year. World Cup Team Shuffler Raghvi Bist, who has been impressive with her domestic and her Indian A team matches, is likely to fill the No. 4 slot in the absence of Harmanpreet.
In the bowling department, it looks like Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu are going to take the new ball while Sayali Satghare or spinner Tanuja Kanwar could replace Renuka in the team. With key players like Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy not being part of the squad, this is the series where it will be vital for India to find some good back up in all their pace bowlers.
Will Ireland Become A Major Historic Winner?
Ireland comes in series in order to look for their first win for this year ODI against India. They have faced challenges in 2024 which includes a defeat with a scoreline of 3-0 against Bangladesh, but they manage to fare better than expected with series wins over Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka and EPLI even managed to get a win over England which is rare.
All eyes will be glued one Orla Prendergast, the standout performer for Ireland the previous year. She did nearly everything for the team including scoring over a century and picking up three wickets against Sri Lanka which highlights her significance to the team. And as always, the team’s captain and senior all-rounder Gaby Lewis and Laura Delany respectively will be key people to the team while the side will continue to benefit from the services of Aimee Maguire who is a left-arm spinner and had match-winning figures of 5 for 19 against England.
An Important Fixture for Both Sides
India will be looking to sharpen their tactics for the World Cup which is being hosted in India whereas, Ireland will be looking to create history for themselves. Given that both the teams are going head-to-head, it promises to bring scintillating cricket with new stars emerging.
