Shafali dropped, no Kerala players in India’s Women’s ODI World Cup squad

Hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma was dropped from India's squads for the Women's ODI World Cup and a series against Australia. However, fit-again pacer Renuka Thakur was included in the 15-member squads announced on Tuesday.

Top-order batter Pratika Rawal, who has done well in 14 ODIs, is also part of the squad. The series against Australia, beginning September 14, precedes the World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka between September 30 and November 2.

Meanwhile, there was disappointment for Kerala as none of the Malayali players made the cut. Wayanad all-rounder Minnu Mani was impressive for India A against Australia A in the ongoing tour, picking five wickets from two unofficial ODI matches that the visitors won.

Another Wayanad star, Sajana Sajeevan, was also not picked. Earlier in the day, Sanju Samson was picked for the Indian men's Asia Cup squad. With Thiruvananthapuram likely to be one of the venues for the Women's ODI World Cup, the absence of Malayali players should disappoint Kerala fans.

Squad for World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK) and Sneh Rana.

Squad for ODIs against Australia: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Sneh Rana.