Left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque, who made a strong impression during the inaugural Women's Premier League, has earned her first call-up to the Indian cricket team. She has been named in the squad for the upcoming three-match WT20I series against England, which is set to commence on December 6 in Mumbai.
The T20 squad predominantly features players who were part of the Asian Games gold-winning squad in Hangzhou, creating a well-balanced blend of experienced seniors and emerging talents.
The team includes stalwarts like captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, and Puja Vastrakar. Additionally, it welcomes newcomers such as spinner Mannat Kashyap, batters Kanika Ahuja, Shreyanka Patil, and promising fast bowler Titas Sadhu, among others.
In the Test team, there aren't many surprises as Titas Sadhu, seen as the successor to the legendary Jhulan Goswami, finds her place. The squad also includes Karnataka left-hander Shubha Satheesh, recognized for her determined batting performances in National One Day matches.
India’s squad for 3 T20Is against England: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Pooja Vastrakar, Kanika Ahuja, Minnu Mani.
India’s squad for Tests against England & Australia: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Shubha Satheesh, Harleen Deol, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar.
Schedule of series against England and Australia:
6 December 2023, 1st T20I, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
9 December 2023, 2nd T20I, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
10 December 2023, 3rd T20I, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
14 December 2023, One-off Test (vs England), DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
21 December 2023, One-off Test (vs Australia), Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
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