Indian Women are preparing for a high-priced tour Australiawith Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presents a 15-member Test squad that combines experience with fresh promise. The multi-format series, which began on February 15, will feature three T20Is, three ODIs and conclude with a one-off Test match at the WACA in Perth from March 6 to 9. With Australia being one of the toughest tour destinations, the selection signals India’s intent to build depth and focus on the women’s future.
led Harmanpreet Kaurwith Smriti Mandhana like his deputy, the squad reflects continuity in leadership and a calculated gamble on emerging talent.
New faces earmarked for potential Test debuts
The biggest talking point from the selection is the inclusion Pratika RawalNot featured in competitive cricket since her appearance in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Rawal finished as the fourth highest run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 308 runs in six innings. His campaign was cut short by an ankle injury that forced him to miss the play-offs, but he didn’t make a strong impression with two handy scores, including one against Australia. His opening partnership with Mandhana stood out as one of India’s biggest positives during the title-winning run.
There is also a 20-year-old left-arm spinner for a potential Test debut Vaishnavi Sharma. Vaishnavi, who took up international cricket in December last year, impressed the team management with his courage to fly the ball even in risky white-ball formats. Despite Australia’s conditions traditionally favoring spin, India look set to invest in a spinner who isn’t afraid to attack.
Along with Raval and Vaishnavi, sailors Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghareas well as comprehensive Amanjot Kauradd to the list of players who can gain valuable red ball exposure on tour.
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The main cast is largely untouchable
While the new faces add intrigue, the core of India’s batting remains unchanged from the side that last played a Test against South Africa in June 2024. Experience with Mandhana will again be central. Rodrogueand Shafali Verma is the basis of the batting order.
Rodrigues in particular brings back fond memories of Australia scoring the match-defining century that knocked the hosts out of the ODI World Cup. Her familiarity with the conditions, Harmanpreet and Mandhana’s extensive Women’s Major League experience will be instrumental in countering Australia’s home advantage.
In the bowling department, Renuka Singh Remains the lone Test pacer, but he will be supported by a versatile pace group that offers variety and athleticism. Uma Chetry was named as a backup goalkeeper for Richa Ghosh between formats, with Grandma made an exception.
India Vs Australia One-off Test Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, Sneh Rana, Varant, Kharanti.
Also READ: Not Smriti Mandhana! Marizanne Kapp predicts India’s next captain after Harmanpreet Kaur
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
