Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) and New Zealand's veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine has withdrawn from the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, citing her well-being as the primary reason. This decision follows earlier withdrawals from the Women's Super Smash mid-season and the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, where she represents RCB.
Devine's absence has led RCB to promote England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge, acquired in a trade with the UP Warriorz, to open the batting alongside Smriti Mandhana. The 35-year-old Devine had previously taken a break from cricket after seeking professional advice. RCB are already grappling with the absence of several other key players including Kate Cross, Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Sobhana.
“We are fully supportive of Sophie’s decision not to take part in the upcoming series. Player wellbeing is our highest priority, and it’s important Sophie feels fit and well before returning to professional cricket,” Liz Green, the Head of Women’s High Performance, said in a NZC release.
Sophie Devine played an instrumental role in New Zealand's historic title triumph in the Women's T20 World Cup last year in the UAE. That tournament also marked her final appearance as the White Ferns' T20I captain.
Following their World Cup title glory, Devine participated in a three-match ODI series in India and subsequently played for the Perth Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). Representing Wellington, she even clocked a five-wicket haul against Canterbury and contributed to their championship win against Otago in the final at Basin Reserve.
New Zealand's upcoming series against Sri Lanka includes three ODIs scheduled from March 4 to 9, followed by a T20I series from March 14 to 18. The matches will be held at McLean Park in Napier, Saxton Oval in Nelson, The University Oval in Dunedin, and Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Following the Sri Lanka series, New Zealand will face Australia in a three-match T20I series starting on March 21. This series will be New Zealand's first T20I action since their World Cup title triumph.