Harmanpreet Kaur will be rested for India's opening One-Day International match against New Zealand on Thursday, October 24, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Due to a niggle, Harmanpreet has been sidelined from the game, and Smriti Mandhana will be the new captain. In the recent T20 World Cup 2024, where India's campaign ended in the group stages, Harmanpreet captained the squad.
Due to a neck injury sustained during the match against Pakistan, the India skipper did have fitness issues during the competition. The 35-year-old would recover swiftly, play in the remaining games, and was also selected for the ICC team of the tournament.
"Ms Harmanpreet Kaur has a niggle and has been rested for the 1st ODI. Smriti Mandhana will be leading the side in her absence," read the statement from BCCI.
India chose to bat first in the match after winning the toss. Saima Thakor and Tejal Hasabnis would also make their debuts for India in the Ahmedabad encounter.
India women vs New Zealand women playing XIs
India Women Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana(c), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia(w), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Tejal Hasabnis, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Saima Thakor, Renuka Thakur Singh
New Zealand Women Playing XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Lauren Down, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Eden Carson
