India Women kicked off their five-match T20I series against England on June 28 (Saturday) at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, but without their regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. In her absence, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana took charge and led the team onto the field for the toss. England opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
Why Harmanpreet Kaur Missed the 1st T20I
The BCCI confirmed in a press release that Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested as a precautionary measure following a head injury she sustained during a warm-up match against the ECB Development Women’s XI. While the injury isn’t considered serious, the Indian medical team is monitoring her recovery closely.
“Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested for the first T20I against England Women in Nottingham as a precautionary measure following a head injury sustained during the T20 Warm-up match against ECB Development Women’s XI. She’s being closely monitored by the medical team and is recovering well. Smriti Mandhana is leading the side in her absence,” read the BCCI statement.
Debut for Left-Arm Spinner N Sree Charani
India also handed a debut cap to promising left-arm spinner N Sree Charani, who plays domestic cricket for Delhi Capitals. Charani has already impressed with her performances — she picked up four wickets in the warm-up matches, averaging 17.75, which earned her a call-up to the national ODI side.
She later made her ODI debut and has taken six wickets so far, though with a higher bowling average of 43.16. Still early in her international journey, Charani dreams big — “One day I want to hit six sixes like Yuvraj Singh,” she said in a recent interview, showcasing her confidence and ambition.
Here’s India Women’s playing XI for the 1st T20I against England:
Smriti Mandhana (c), Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, N Sree Charani.
India will be hoping their young talents step up in Harmanpreet’s absence as they take on a strong England side at home.
