New Chandigarh: The Indian women’s cricket team has been dealt a significant blow as star middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues is confirmed out of the remaining two Women’s One-Day Internationals against Australia. Sources indicate that Rodrigues is suffering from a viral infection and weakness. As a result, Tejal Hasabnis, who was on standby, will join the squad as her replacement. The 28-year-old Rodrigues has played six WODIs, accumulating 140 runs with an impressive average of 46.66, including a top score of 53 not out. Her absence comes at a critical time, with India currently trailing Australia 1-0 in the series after an eight-wicket loss in the first WODI held at the PCA Mullanpur Stadium. The next match is scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue. In the opening WODI, Rodrigues contributed 18 runs off 26 balls before being dismissed off Tahlia McGrath. She also had an unfortunate moment in the field, dropping Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield at mid-wicket off Sneh Rana’s bowling. This dropped catch proved costly as Litchfield went on to score a crucial 88 off just 80 balls. Despite this current setback, the 25-year-old Mumbaikar is expected to make a full recovery and be available for the Women’s ODI World Cup. The prestigious tournament kicks off on September 30, with India facing Sri Lanka in Guwahati.
Revised Team India Squad for the remaining two ODIs:
Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Tejal Hasabnis, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, Uma Chetry (Wicketkeeper).