India's stand-in Smriti Mandhana talked about Shafali Verma's future after explosive batter's exclusion from India women's squad for ODI series against Ireland, which is set to start from January 9. Smriti Mandhana has clearly said that Shafali Verma remains an integral part of the team's plans.Shafali was also not included in the squad for the ODI series against Australia last December. Despite these recent omissions, Mandhana stated that Shafali continues to be a valuable asset to the team. In as many words she said that Shafali Verma is definitely in the scheme of things.
Smriti Mandhana on Shafali Verma's absence from India's ODI squad for Ireland series
“Harman is rested and that was very clear. Shafali in the last two or three one-day series, she’s not been part of the squad. Pratika (Rawal) in the last series has done really well in her absence, but definitely Shafali scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket, so she’s definitely in the scheme of things. I’m really happy that she went back and got those runs,” Mandhana said in the pre-match press conference.
“As a team, we do not have to think what is not there because we want to go out there and have the positive mindset that we have a really balanced squad. The girls who have come in as well are really, really good. We will not think about what is not there,” Mandhana further stated.
Shafali despite being dropped from the Indian ODI squad, is currently in exceptional form. She emerged as the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded Senior Women's One-Day Trophy, amassing 527 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31.
Her dominance was highlighted by a spectacular 197-run knock off 115 balls in the quarterfinal against Haryana. However, this blistering performance proved insufficient as Bengal successfully chased down the target with five wickets and five balls to spare.
Meanwhile, regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and seamer Renuka Singh Thakur have been rested for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland. Harmanpreet, who had sustained a knee injury during the home series against the West Indies, returned to play three ODIs before requiring rest.
“Renuka and Harman have been really important members, and they are rested now. It gives an opportunity to a lot of young girls. I won’t reveal much about the playing XI. Whoever gets the opportunity, I am sure they will grab it with both hands,” Mandhana added.
“We want to approach this with a positive mindset. I believe we have a really balanced squad, and the players coming in have shown a lot of promise. As I said, we won’t dwell on what’s not there but focus on giving our best on the field,” Mandhana concluded.
The Ireland series is set to commence on January 10 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, where all three matches will be played.
India Women's squad for 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
Ireland Women's squad for ODI series against India:
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell