Harmanpreet Kaur ruled out of West Indies ODIs? India head coach provides update

Indian women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar shared an update on skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s injury ahead of the first ODI match against the West Indies. Amol Muzumdar expressed optimism about her recovery from a knee niggle, adding that she would bat in the nets before the upcoming match.

Harmanpreet Kaur sustained a knee niggle while batting in the first T20I against the West Indies. The Indian skipper wasn't on the field for the second innings of the series opener. This injury forced her to miss the last two matches of the series. Her availability for the opening ODI on December 22 is uncertain.

Harmanpreet Kaur to Bat in Nets Today, Decision on Availability Pending - Amol Muzumdar

Speaking ahead of the first ODI match, Amol Muzumdar stated that Harmanpreet Kaur would undergo a full nets session on Saturday, and the decision on her availability would be made afterward.

“Harmanpreet is going to bat today in the nets... a complete, full nets schedule. We’ll take a call once the nets are over, and I’m sure she’ll be fine,” Muzumdar stated during the pre-series press conference.

In Harmanpreet Kaur's absence, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led India to a 2-1 T20I series victory over the West Indies. This was India's first home T20I series win since October 2019. Mandhana smashed three consecutive half-centuries during the series.

We Will Feel the Absence of Some Players - Amol Muzumdar

Amol Muzumdar said that the team would miss young wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, who is recovering from an injury. However, he assured that the management would select the best XI from the available 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series.

"Yes, we will feel the absence of some players. Yastika Bhatia is injured, she is doing rehab at NCA. Hopefully, she will be fit and fine very soon. So, we will try and pick the best XI from the 15-member squad here," Muzumdar said.

A Couple of New Entrants in the ODI Lineup - Amol Muzumdar

India has picked Delhi batter Pratika Rawal for the ODI series. Rawal, who was the second-highest run-scorer in the previous Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy with 411 runs at an average of 68.50 and a strike rate of 91.94. Along with Rawal, Tanuja Kanwer also received her maiden call-up from the ODI team.

The Indian head coach advised the new players in the ODI lineup to enjoy their time on the field and focus on spending time in the middle. He emphasized the importance of practicing in a way that mirrors match situations.

"There are couple of new entrants in the ODI lineup. (I say) just go out there and enjoy yourself and spend some time in the middle.

"That's the most important thing. Even in training, we would like to practice the way we are going to play in a match, so that's the message to the newcomers in the team," he said.

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