The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on January 6 announced India women's squad for three-ODI series against Ireland starting on January 10 at home. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and pacer Renuka Singh Thakur have been rested for the ODI series.
In Harmanpreet's absence, opener Smriti Mandhana will lead the side. Spin-bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma is vice-captain for the series. Meanwhile, Shafali Verma continues to face the snub as young Pratika Rawal impressed the selectors in her debut ODI series against West Indies.
The ODIs will be played on January 10, 12 and 15. All the matches will be played at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot.
India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Ireland:
Smriti Mandhana (c), Deepti Sharma (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Raghvi Bist, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare
India vs Ireland head-to-head
Since 1993, India and Ireland have played 13 ODIs against each other. India have won 12 whereas one in 2002 was abandoned. The last time India took on Ireland in the format was eight years ago. As Deepti and Punam Raut shared a record-shattering opening partnership, India beat them by a massive margin of 249 runs.
Mandhana's ODI captaincy record
So far, Mandhana has captained in ODIs only once. India beat New Zealand by 59 runs on Mandhana's ODI captaincy debut in October 2024 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Deepti to surpass Mithali
Meanwhile, Deepti needs eight more runs to break legendary Mithali Raj's record for most runs against Ireland by an Indian batter in women's ODIs. Mithali has 335 runs from six innings at an average of 111.66 including one century and two fifties. Deepti has 328 runs from three innings at an average of 164 including a century and two fifties.