With the Women’s ODI World Cup just five months away, India’s road to glory kicks off in Sri Lanka with a tri-series against the hosts and South Africa. The seven-match tournament promises intense action, featuring new faces and old rivalries. With a six-match ODI winning streak and the return of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India will be looking to fine-tune their combination and chase their maiden major title ahead of hosting the World Cup.

An exciting addition to the Indian side is 22-year-old pacer Kashvee Gautam, who impressed as the most expensive uncapped player at the Women’s Premier League. Gautam, known for dismissing stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, finished with 11 wickets.

However, WPL’s leading Indian run-scorer Shafali Verma misses out, with the squad opting for seasoned batters Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh. India’s batting looks formidable, but bowling will be tested as Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu, and Pooja Vastrakar are sidelined with injuries. Pace duties will now fall on Arundhati Reddy, while left-arm spinners N Shree Charani and Shuchi Upadhyay may make their international debuts.

All seven games will be held at R Premadasa stadium in Colombo as day games with the first match between India and hosts Sri Lanka scheduled tomorrow.