**
In a move that has electrified Indian cricket fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squads for the highly anticipated multi-format series against the South African women’s team. Announced this Thursday, May 30, the selection showcases a blend of familiar names, exciting comebacks, and fresh faces.
The highlight of the announcement is the return of the prodigious batter Jemimah Rodrigues to all three squads after her unfortunate absence in the most recent T20I series against Bangladesh due to an injury. This marks a significant return for Rodrigues, a player known for her aggressive stroke play and vital innings that have often been the backbone of India’s batting lineup.
According to the press release, the inclusion of Jemimah Rodrigues and versatile all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar comes with a caveat; both players are set to join the squad subject to passing final fitness tests. This careful approach underscores the importance of their roles and the necessity of their complete fitness for what promises to be an intense series.
Delhi’s rising star, Priya Punia, makes a notable return to India’s ODI squad. Punia, occupying a crucial top-order position, last represented India in international cricket in July 2023. Her reintegration into the squad is expected to add depth and solidity to an already formidable lineup.
However, the seasoned Yastika Bhatia, who has been a reliable wicketkeeper-batter, will not feature in any of the squads this time around. Instead, the selectors have shown faith in young Uma Chetry, an unheralded but promising talent, to don the gloves. This move could be seen as part of a broader strategy to invest in and develop young talent for the future.
India’s dominant Mumbai Indians spinner Saika Ishaque is also set to play a role, albeit as a standby player for the T20I squad. Her inclusion provides an additional layer of tactical flexibility for the team management.
### ODI Squad Dynamics
The ODI squad, led by the indomitable Harmanpreet Kaur, includes an array of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers. With Smriti Mandhana as the vice-captain, the batting lineup boasts further firepower. The squad features other familiar names such as Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and wicketkeepers Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry. The all-round unit is bolstered by the likes of Dayalan Hemlatha, Radha Yadav, and Asha Sobhana, giving the team balance and variety.
. The pace attack will be spearheaded by stalwarts like Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar, with Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, and Priya Punia rounding out a robust squad.
Full ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues*, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetri (WK), Dayalan Hemlatha, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana, Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Pooja Vastrakar*, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Priya Punia.
### Test Squad for the One-Off Match
The lone Test battle will see India putting their best foot forward with a squad imbued with both experience and youth. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. Alongside them, the lineup will feature batters Shafali Verma, Shubha Satheesh, and the seasoned Jemimah Rodrigues (subject to fitness). The batting strength is complemented by wicketkeepers Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetri, alongside all-rounders like Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana. The spin department, a crucial element in Test cricket, is fortified by the seasoned Rajeshwari Gayakwad and versatile Saika Ishaque. Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar lead the pace attack, with Priya Punia also included.
Complete Test Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Shubha Satheesh, Jemimah Rodrigues*, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetri (WK), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Saika Ishaque, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar*, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Meghna Singh, Priya Punia.
### T20I Squad Overview
The T20I squad, designed to deliver quick, high-octane cricket, is a mix of veterans and young talents. Harmanpreet Kaur will continue her skipper duties, supported ably by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. The explosive Shafali Verma and all-rounder Deepti Sharma will be key figures. The squad also features Uma Chetri and Richa Ghosh in the wicketkeeping department, Jemimah Rodrigues*, Sajana Sajeevan, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, and Amanjot Kaur. The bowling lineup includes names like Asha Sobhana, Pooja Vastrakar*, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Arundhati Reddy, with Saika Ishaque on standby.
Final T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Uma Chetri (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Jemimah Rodrigues*, Sajana Sajeevan, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Asha Sobhana, Pooja Vastrakar*, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Standby: Saika Ishaque.
As the teams gear up for an action-packed series against South Africa, the blend of established stars making comebacks and promising youngsters breaking into the scene is bound to thrill fans and cricket aficionados alike. The series will not just be a test of skill and strategy, but also of the depth and resilience of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
