Pratika Rawal Gets Maiden Call-Up to India’s ODI Squad for West Indies Tour: A Big Break for the 24-Year-Old!
Introduction: Pratika Rawal’s Big Break
Pratika Rawal has received her first-ever call-up to the Indian women’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies. The 24-year-old, who has been impressing in domestic cricket, replaces Priya Punia, who was earlier called up for the Australia series. This marks a major milestone for Rawal, who will now have the opportunity to showcase her talent on the international stage.
With key players like Punia and Yastika Bhatia sidelined due to injuries, Rawal’s selection is a clear indication of India’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent. This call-up also comes at a crucial time, with India preparing for the Women’s ODI World Cup next year.
India’s ODI Squad for the West Indies Series
Here is a detailed look at the India ODI squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C)
- Smriti Mandhana (VC)
- Pratika Rawal
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Harleen Deol
- Richa Ghosh (WK)
- Uma Chetry (WK)
- Tejal Hasabnis
- Deepti Sharma
- Minnu Mani
- Priya Mishra
- Tanuja Kanwer
- Titas Sadhu
- Saima Thakor
- Renuka Singh Thakur
Pratika Rawal’s inclusion is a significant boost to India’s quest for depth and strength in their squad. Her performance in domestic cricket has earned her a place in the mix for the ODI series against the West Indies.
India’s T20I Squad for the West Indies Series
The T20I squad also features a mix of established stars and fresh faces, with some notable call-ups for the shortest format:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C)
- Smriti Mandhana (VC)
- Nandini Kashyap
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Richa Ghosh (WK)
- Uma Chetry (WK)
- Deepti Sharma
- Sajana Sajeevan
- Raghvi Bist
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Priya Mishra
- Titas Sadhu
- Saima Thakor
- Minnu Mani
- Radha Yadav
Nandini Kashyap and Raghvi Bist have received their maiden call-ups to the T20I squad, adding to the team’s evolving composition. Meanwhile, some players from the ODI setup, including Priya Mishra and Titas Sadhu, will also feature in the T20I series.
Notable Absentees and Surprises
Some key absentees from both the ODI and T20I squads include:
- Arundhati Reddy – Despite a strong performance in the final ODI against Australia, Reddy is missing from both squads.
- Radha Yadav – The left-arm spinner, who didn’t play in the Australia ODI series, is excluded in favor of Tanuja Kanwar, who has represented India in four T20Is.
These omissions have raised eyebrows, especially with Reddy’s strong outing in the Australia series. However, the squad changes indicate the selectors’ strategy to keep refreshing the team’s lineup.
Upcoming Series and What’s at Stake
The West Indies tour will commence with a three-match T20I series starting on December 15 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. This will be followed by the three ODIs in Vadodara. The series is crucial for India as they look to bounce back after being blanked 3-0 by Australia in their recent ODI series. With the Women’s ODI World Cup just around the corner, these matches hold significant importance in shaping India’s squad for the prestigious event.
India’s Strategic Shifts
Pratika Rawal’s maiden call-up is just one of many exciting developments in India’s squad for the West Indies tour. With several fresh faces and key players sidelined due to injuries, the Indian women’s team is taking a new direction as they prepare for the challenges ahead. This combination of experienced players and newcomers shows that India is looking toward the future with a balanced approach to their squad selections.
Stay updated on the latest from Indian women’s cricket by following the official BCCI website.
Alt Text: Pratika Rawal’s maiden call-up to India’s ODI squad for the West Indies tour