The ODI series against Australia promises to be a memorable chapter for India Women. For the first time, India will step onto the field carrying the tag of world champions – a title that brings heightened expectations and greater scrutiny. When Harmanpreet Kaur’s women take the field for the series opener on February 24 at The Gabba in Brisbane, the spotlight will shine brighter than ever.
Confidence is already flowing through the squad after scripting history by clinching their first T20I series win in Australia in a decade. India currently hold a 4-2 lead in the ongoing multi-format series following their triumph in the T20Is, and they will be keen to carry that momentum into the 50-over format.
Australia, meanwhile, find themselves in unfamiliar territory. The hosts suffered their first home series defeat since 2017 – a rare blemish in what has otherwise been a dominant era. The Sophie Molineux era has not begun as planned, and the Australians will be desperate to respond strongly in front of their home crowd.
Adding further emotion to the contest, Alyssa Healy is set to begin the final leg of her Australia career ahead of her impending retirement, giving the series an added layer of significance.
GOLDEN CHANCE FOR NEWCOMERS
Amid the familiarity of a World Cup-winning core, the Indian squad also carries a touch of fresh intrigue. Two members of the touring party – Vaishnavi Sharma and Kashvee Gautam – were not part of India’s triumphant World Cup campaign, and each arrives with a story of her own.
For Vaishnavi, the series could mark a significant personal milestone. Having already featured in T20Is and represented Mumbai Indians in the WPL, she is yet to make her ODI debut for India. The upcoming matches present an opportunity for her to break into the 50-over format and further cement her place in the national setup.
Gautam’s journey, meanwhile, has been one of resilience. After being ruled out midway through the tri-series in Sri Lanka last month, her return adds depth and balance to the squad. The series in Australia offers her a chance not only to regain rhythm but also to reassert her place in an increasingly competitive lineup.
Uma Chetry stands at a slightly different crossroads. She made her ODI debut during the World Cup clash against Bangladesh but did not get an opportunity to bat, leaving her credentials in the 50-over format largely unexplored. Although she has featured in seven T20Is for India, she is yet to consistently find her best form at the highest level.
CAN PRATIKA STEP UP?
One of the players to watch in the series will be Pratika Rawal, who is returning to competitive cricket after nearly four months on the sidelines due to injury. The 25-year-old opening batter, one of India’s most prolific performers during the World Cup, has been included in the ODI squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
The setback forced her out of the knockout phase of the tournament, and she was subsequently replaced in the squad. As a result, she missed out on receiving a winner’s medal despite her significant contributions earlier in the competition.
The injury also ruled her out of the Women’s Premier League season with UP Warriorz, where she had been picked in the accelerated round at her base price. The extended layoff required careful rehabilitation, and fans closely tracked her recovery, with recent updates confirming her return to full fitness.
Now, as India prepare to take on Australia in challenging conditions, Rawal will be eager to rediscover the rhythm that made her such a key figure during the World Cup. Her experience, composure, and proven ability on the global stage make her a crucial component of India’s batting lineup as they look to build on their recent success.
SPOTLIGHT ON ALYSSA HEALY
For Australia, the focus will firmly be on Alyssa Healy as the tour marks the final chapter of her international career. The upcoming series will be her last assignment in ODIs, and she is set to lead Australia one final time in white-ball cricket — a fitting farewell for one of the modern greats of the game.
There will, however, be a subtle change in her role. Healy will not keep wickets during the series, with Beth Mooney expected to take over the gloves. The move signals a gradual transition, even as Healy remains at the forefront as captain. Once she steps away, Sophie Molineux will take over the leadership, ushering in a new era for Australian cricket.
Before that transition is complete, Healy has one last opportunity to make her mark. She struck two centuries at last year’s World Cup, reaffirming her reputation as a big-match performer despite Australia’s semi-final exit. With the team also aiming to bounce back from their T20I series defeat, Healy will be determined to end her career on a high — leading from the front and delivering one final defining performance in front of a home crowd.
India Women vs Australia Women Head-to-Head
Overall
Matches – 61, India – 12, Australia – 49
In Australia
Matches – 19, India – 4, Australia – 15
India Women vs Australia Women Squads
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal
When to watch India Women vs Australia Women ODI series
Matches in the ODI series between India Women and Australia Women will start at 9:20 PM IST.
Where to watch India Women vs Australia Women ODI series
Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the ODI series between India Women and Australia Women. Live Streaming of the matches will be available on JioHotstar.
