India Women to Face Ireland in Historic ODI Series in Rajkot

India‘s women’s cricket team is set to take on Ireland in a historic three-match ODI series starting January 10 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. This marks Ireland’s first-ever bilateral series against India since 2006, providing both teams with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup later this year.

India, led by stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, will be without regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and premier fast bowler Renuka Singh, who have been rested. Mandhana, who has previously led India in just one ODI series, will oversee a relatively inexperienced squad. This series offers a chance for younger players like Raghvi, Saima Thakor, and Titas Sadhu to step up and make their mark.

Ireland, ranked at the bottom of the ICC Women's Championship, will aim to end their recent struggles with a strong performance. Key players for Ireland include allrounder Orla Prendergast, who was the team’s top run-scorer in 2024, and left-arm spinner Cara Murray, who took 11 wickets last year. However, Ireland will miss their young wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter due to a foot injury.

India’s preparation for the ODI World Cup has included playing at various venues to adapt to different conditions. The series against Ireland will be their first at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, adding another layer of challenge. Mandhana emphasized the importance of utilizing available resources effectively, stating, “We will not think about what is not there. We have a really balanced squad.”

The series also serves as a platform for players like Shafali Verma, who was dropped from recent squads but remains in contention. Mandhana acknowledged Verma’s strong domestic performances, saying, “She’s definitely in the scheme of things.” Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal, who impressed in the West Indies series, will look to solidify her place in the team.

With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, both teams are eager to build momentum. For India, the focus is on testing their bench strength, while Ireland seeks to prove their mettle against a top-tier opponent. The matches will be played on January 10, 12, and 15, offering fans an exciting start to the new year.