Smriti Mandhana Takes Helm as India Faces Ireland in ODIs

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women’s cricket team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland, set to commence on January 10, 2025, in Rajkot.

This leadership change comes as regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and key player Renuka Singh Thakur have been given a break. The squad’s composition has sparked discussions, particularly with the absence of Shafali Verma and the ongoing debate over Deepti Sharma’s vice-captaincy.

The team includes promising new talents, indicating a focus on building depth for future competitions like the ODI World Cup. The series against Ireland not only tests India’s bench strength but also offers a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills. Fans and analysts have mixed feelings about the team selections, with some questioning the exclusion of players like Arundhati Reddy and the strategic choices in leadership.