Mandhana, Shafali or Pratika: Who Will Open for India in the Australia ODIs?

India has strengthened their ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour with Pratika Rawal comeback, making her first competitive selection since suffering an ankle injury during the 2025 Women’s World Cup. As per Pratika Rawal injury update issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the batter has completed a full rehabilitation programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and has been medically cleared after recovering from the injury sustained in October 2025.

Rawal was forced to leave the field during India’s rain-affected World Cup match against Bangladesh after hurting herself while fielding. This incident ruled her out of the remainder of the tournament. She was replaced by Shafali Verma ahead of the semi-final and has not featured in any competitive cricket since. Despite her absence, Pratika Rawal is also included in the squad for the one-off Test scheduled after the ODI leg of the Australia series.

Is Pratika Rawal Opener Spot Confirmed in Australia ODIs?

Pratika Rawal has been away from the on-field action, yet she earned a spot on the BCCI’s central contracts list, which is indicative of her strong start at the international level, and was signed by the UP Warriorz for the 2026 Women’s Premier League. However, the extended rehabilitation meant she was unable to take part in the competition, and she is yet to make her Women’s T20I debut.

The three-match ODI series against Australia begins on February 24, with the opener in Brisbane, followed by two matches in Hobart. The tour concludes with a one-off Test, to be played in Perth. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see India Women opening pair for the ODI series, as the management will have to make a tough call regarding which player will open alongside one of the best women cricketers in the world, Smriti Mandhana. After Pratika's injury in October 2025, Shafali Verma was trusted with the responsibility, and she has delivered multiple impressive performances since then.

India Women Squad for Australia ODIs

India Women have updated their ODI squad by adding Pratika Rawal to the mix after a long injury break. India's squad consists of absolute match-winners, featuring the likes of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues.

Updated India Squad for the Australia ODIs:

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal.