The Indian women’s cricket team has received a timely boost ahead of the three-match ODI series against Australia, with the Women’s Selection Committee adding all-rounder Pratika Rawal to the squad.
The series forms part of India’s ongoing multi-format tour of Australia and comes at a significant juncture in the team’s international calendar.
Rawal’s inclusion follows the successful completion of her rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, where she recovered from the ankle injury sustained during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in October . The injury had ruled her out of competitive action for several months, interrupting what had been a rapidly rising international career.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
The 16-member squad for the ODI series will be led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana forming the core of a strong batting unit that includes Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harleen Deol. The bowling attack remains anchored by Renuka Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and emerging talents such as Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur.
Rawal’s return adds depth and balance to the squad. While she is already part of India’s Test squad for the tour, her availability for the ODI leg provides the team management with an additional top-order batting option and a useful part-time bowling resource.
Before her injury, Rawal had established herself as one of India’s most consistent ODI performers. Her technical solidity at the top of the order and ability to rotate strike under pressure made her a crucial cog in India’s 50-over setup. Her absence during the latter stages of the World Cup was felt not only in terms of numbers, but also in stability.
The rehabilitation process at the COE focused on restoring match fitness, lateral movement and ankle strength critical attributes for a batter whose game relies heavily on footwork and balance. The clearance signals confidence from the medical and performance teams that she is ready to resume full international duties.
Selection Dynamics and Tactical Balance
Rawal’s inclusion also presents the Indian think tank with an intriguing selection equation. With Shafali Verma regaining form and Mandhana entrenched at the top, the team must decide whether to restore established opening combinations or explore alternative batting positions.
In ODI cricket, partnerships at the top often determine the tempo of the innings. Rawal’s calm accumulation complements Mandhana’s natural fluency. At the same time, Shafali’s aggressive approach provides a contrasting dynamic. The balance between risk and consolidation will be central to India’s strategy in Australian conditions, where new-ball movement and bounce demand technical discipline.
The updated squad reflects continuity alongside flexibility:
India ODI Squad vs Australia:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal.
The presence of two wicketkeepers Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry adds depth, while the all-round options ensure adaptability across varied match scenarios.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Touring Australia has historically been one of the toughest assignments in women’s cricket. Conditions in Brisbane and Hobart often test batting resilience and bowling precision. Australia’s pace attack thrives on bounce, while their batting depth allows them to recover from early setbacks.
For India, the ODI series carries weight beyond bilateral pride. It is an opportunity to consolidate their status following the World Cup triumph and to fine-tune combinations ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
Rawal’s return strengthens India’s middle overs stability a phase often decisive in Australian conditions. Her ability to anchor innings, absorb pressure and convert starts into substantial scores could prove vital. Interestingly, Rawal was part of the UP Warriorz squad in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 but did not feature in a match. While that limited her exposure to competitive T20 action, it also ensured she continued training within a high-performance environment.
The absence of WPL match minutes may raise questions about immediate match sharpness, but her prior international consistency and structured rehabilitation suggest she has retained her competitive edge.
Her prior inclusion in the Test squad indicates that the team management views Rawal as integral across formats. The multi-format structure of the tour demands adaptability. Success in ODIs could provide momentum heading into the longer format, where patience and technique are even more crucial.
India’s ODI unit now appears both experienced and dynamic. The leadership of Harmanpreet and Mandhana ensures stability, while the inclusion of younger bowlers and all-rounders points to a long-term vision.
Rawal’s comeback is not merely about filling a vacancy; it reflects India’s depth management and injury recovery systems functioning effectively. The COE’s role in restoring her fitness underscores the growing sophistication of support structures around the women’s game.
As India prepare to take on Australia, the spotlight will naturally fall on established stars. Yet, the return of Pratika Rawal could quietly influence the series narrative. A steady start at the top, a stabilising presence in the middle overs, and tactical flexibility in team selection could make the difference in tightly contested matches.
The stage is set. With Rawal back in blue, India head into the ODI series reinforced both in personnel and belief.
