Harmanpreet Kaur's Litmus Test: India Faces New Zealand in Crucial ODI Series

Indian women's cricket team gears up for an ODI series against New Zealand led by a scrutinized Harmanpreet Kaur. The series is preparatory for the World Cup amid leadership critiques following the T20 World Cup exit. New Zealand enters the contest as the T20 World Cup champions.

The Indian women's cricket team, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, is set to face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series starting Thursday. This series marks an important preparation phase for India's World Cup campaign next year, following a disappointing T20 World Cup performance.

Kaur, under fire for her decisions during the T20 World Cup in the UAE, has retained her position as captain. Despite India not progressing beyond the group stage, Kaur finished as the highest scorer for her team, but her leadership choices have been under scrutiny. In her team selection, Kaur will be without key wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and experienced all-rounder Asha Sobhana, due to exams and injury respectively.

New Zealand, fresh from their T20 World Cup victory, provides a formidable challenge. With matches being held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, expectations are high for openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma to deliver strong performances while the middle-order anchors Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues take charge in crucial situations.

(With inputs from agencies.)