The Indian women’s cricket team is preparing to take on Ireland in a landmark three-match ODI series beginning January 10 in Rajkot. This series represents Ireland’s inaugural bilateral tour of India and the first ODI encounter between the two nations since 2006. The ongoing ICC Women’s Championship cycle presents a valuable opportunity for both teams to demonstrate their skills.
Currently sitting third in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, India has already earned a place in the ODI World Cup as the host nation later this year. This series provides Ireland with an opportunity to finish the championship cycle on a positive note and secure their first ODI win against India after 12 attempts.
With regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and seasoned pacer Renuka Singh given a break for this series, Smriti Mandhana will take on the role of stand-in skipper. The absence of these key players allows younger talents to shine.
Ahead of the first ODI, Mandhana stressed the significance of these opportunities, stating, “Tomorrow, whoever gets that opportunity, takes it. [So that] We have more match winners for India.”
She went on to express her pride in representing the country and noted the players’ eagerness to leave their mark.
“It is an opportunity for two of the other young girls. I wouldn’t reveal a lot about [playing] eleven. But, whoever will get the opportunity, I am sure they will try and grab it with both their hands. Playing for your country is always a moment of pride. I am confident that all the girls take pride in it.”
The ICC Women’s Championship system has enabled teams to compete against various opponents, which Mandhana considers essential. With India not having faced Ireland much lately, this series presents a new challenge.
“Yeah, I think the ICC Championship system gives us a chance to play all the teams in the three-year cycle. Ireland, we haven’t played a lot of cricket against them,” Mandhana explained.
She also acknowledged Ireland’s recent performances and the thrill of playing against new opponents.
“They have played some exciting cricket in the last one or two years. So, yeah, I think sometimes playing against a new opposition is always very exciting. I am sure that we won’t look at them in any other way. As I said, for us, it is about going out and giving our 100 percent. But, yeah, we are really excited that we are playing against Ireland. I think it is their first tour to India.”
Despite Shafali Verma’s outstanding domestic performance, where she leads the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy charts with 527 runs at a strike rate of 152.31 in just 7 matches, including a best of 197, along with strong showings in the Challenger Trophy with 273 runs at a strike rate of 140.72 from 3 matches, she continues to be left out of the national squad. Mandhana reassured that Verma remains in the team’s considerations.
“Shafali has got a lot of runs in domestic, so she is definitely in the scheme of things,” Mandhana said.
“I am really happy that she went back and got those runs. As a team, we do not have to think about what is not there, because we want to go out there and have the positive mindset that we have a really balanced squad.”
Mandhana also praised the quality of the players stepping into the squad, stating, “The girls who have come in as well are really, really good. As I said, we will not think about what is not there or what is happening. I think the only thing is that we have to go out there and play good cricket tomorrow.”
India’s pace battery will be without experienced players like Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar, placing added responsibility on emerging talents. Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu are anticipated to spearhead the attack, while either Sayali Satghare or Tanuja Kanwar could fill in for Renuka’s absence.
Mandhana recognized the pivotal roles of senior players while highlighting the chance for newcomers, noting, “Renuka and Harman both have been really important members and they have played their part amazingly well,” she stated.
“But of course, because they are rested, it’s an opportunity for two of the other young girls. Whoever will get the opportunity, I am sure they will try and grab it with both their hands.”
Ireland’s squad features promising talents, such as all-rounder Orla Prendergast, who was their top run-scorer and a key wicket-taker in 2024. Captain Gaby Lewis and senior all-rounder Laura Delany are expected to play crucial roles, while left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire adds depth to their bowling attack.
As the home World Cup approaches, this series transcends mere bilateral ties for India. The matches at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot will not only serve as vital preparation but also offer insights into how the team adapts to varying conditions.
With India assessing its bench strength and Ireland pursuing a historic victory, the stage is set for an exhilarating series. There’s much to gain for both teams, and cricket enthusiasts can anticipate thrilling action in the days ahead.
Image Source: Smriti Mandhana @ Instagram
