Why Harleen Deol is Not Playing Today in AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI?

The 1st ODI match between India Women and Australia Women has already started, and both teams are now on the field. The weather looks overcast, and there are chance of a little drizzle, but till now, the match is going well.

After winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur decided to bat first while looking at the overcast conditions, which might bring DLS into play later on if the rain persists. Right after the toss, both the teams announced their playing XI, and there is a big name missing in the Indian Women's team, as the top order batter Harleen Deol is not playing today.

Why Harleen Deol is Not Playing Today in AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI?

Harleen Deol has been a key part of India's white-ball teams over the last few months and was the part of the five World Cup matches as well, but wasn't included in the playing 11 for this match. The decision seemed to be practical as India already have some of the best women cricketers like Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma in their playing 11 at the top of the order.

Even Shafali, who is usually an opener, had to drop down at No. 3 since Rawal was fit to be a part of the playing 11 after recovering from an ankle injury. Hence, there is no Harleen Deol replacement, as she didn't play the last ODI match, which was the Women's World Cup final.

Harleen Deol's Recent Form

Harleen Deol had a middling tournament in the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 where she aggregated 169 runs in seven matches at an average of 34. She got starts but failed to convert them into big ones, and as a result, she was dropped from the playing 11.

In her absence, Jemimah Rodrigues seized the opportunity and scored a match-winning 127* in the World Cup semi-final against Australia that solidified her new role at the top of the order. With the current combination delivering results, the team management appears reluctant to make further changes, leaving Harleen on the sidelines. However, the right-hander might get an opportunity in the upcoming matches.