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Set to lead India in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Harmanpreet Kaur is not part of the first match on Thursday.
Harmanpreet Kaur recently led India at the 2024 T20 World Cup. (BCCI Photo)
India women captain Harmanpreet Kaur is missing the first ODI against New Zealand in Ahmedabad today. In her stead, Smriti Mandhana walked out for the toss at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The BCCI revealed via a post on X (formerly X) that Harmanpreet, who recently led the team at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, is sitting out from the series opener due to a niggle.
India have given ODI debuts to Tejal Hasabnis and Saima Thakor.
India and New Zealand last squared off at the T20 World Cup where the Harmanpreet-led side suffered a surprising defeat which proved pivotal as they failed to make it past the group stage.
New Zealand went on to win their maiden T20 World Cup title, beating South Africa in the title clash.
India’s disappointing show was followed by suggestions of replacing Harmanpreet with a new T20I captain.
Batting legend and former captain Mithali Raj advised that if the BCCI and the selectors think that a change in leadership is necessary then they it’s a decision that should be taken quickly without further delay to start preparation for the next world cup.
“It’s up to BCCI and the selectors to take a call, but if they are looking to change, this would be the ideal time because if you delay more, then we have another World Cup on the horizon (two years). If you are not doing it now, then don’t do it later. Then it is too close to the World Cup,” Mithali told news agency PTI.
“Smriti is there, of course, and can be a choice to consider for the selectors, but I personally think someone like Jemimah—she’s 24, she’s young, she will serve you longer in the T20s, and she’s someone who I feel on the field gets that energy. She speaks to everybody. I was very impressed by her in this tournament,” she added.
