12th Standard Exam! Richa Ghosh To Miss India's New Zealand ODIs Due To Board Pressure
Richa Ghosh will not play NZ series (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)
In the latest development, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh will miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand to sit for her class 12 board exams. She recently turned 21, has been a crucial part of India’s international setup since 2020. Her absence will be felt in the squad as India prepares for the three-match ODI series in Ahmedabad starting on October 24.
It is worth mentioning that, India’s squad will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, whose captaincy has come under scrutiny following India's group-stage exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE.
The team's defeat in the opening game against New Zealand, a crucial match, contributed significantly to their early exit from the tournament, sparking questions about her leadership and the team’s overall performance.
Richa Ghosh, Sobhana, And Vastrakar To Miss ODI Series
In addition to Richa Ghosh’s absence, the Indian team will also miss the services of leg spinner Asha Sobhana, who is sidelined due to an injury. Allrounder Pooja Vastrakar has been rested for the series, as confirmed by the BCCI.
“Ms. Richa Ghosh was unavailable for selection due to her 12th standard board exams. Ms. Asha Sobhana is currently nursing an injury and was unavailable for selection. Ms. Pooja Vastrakar has been rested for the series,” BCCI’s statement read further.
Despite these setbacks, the team will see fresh faces in the form of four maiden ODI call-ups. Seam-bowling all rounders Sayali Satghare and Saima Thakor, leg spinner Priya Mishra, and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis have been included in the squad, offering new talent to the Indian side as they look to rebuild after their T20 World Cup disappointment.
India’s squad for the ODI series features a mix of experience and emerging talent, with veterans like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana leading the batting line-up. However, the onus will be on the young call-ups to make an impact as India eyes redemption in the 50-over format against a strong New Zealand side.
The series offers India a chance to regain momentum in their preparations for future tournaments, with the added pressure on Harmanpreet Kaur to answer her critics and lead the team to a successful campaign.
India's Squad For Three ODI Series Against New Zealand
Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, D Hemalatha, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Sayali Satgare, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Tejal Hasabnis, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil