Why Shree Charani is Not Playing Today in IND-W vs ZIM-W 3rd T20I? Explained

India Women are facing Zimbabwe Women in the third and final T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Tuesday, October 20. Smriti Mandhana’s side has already secured the three-match series after winning the opening encounter by four wickets and registering a dominant nine-wicket victory in the second match.

With the series wrapped up, India have an opportunity to test their bench strength and give more players valuable international experience. The hosts will also aim to complete a 3-0 sweep before shifting their attention to the upcoming ODI series. One of the notable talking points ahead of the contest is the absence of left-arm spinner Shree Charani, the No. 1 bowler in the ICC T20I rankings for women.

Why Is Shree Charani Not Playing Today?

Shree Charani is not part of India’s playing XI for the third T20I against Zimbabwe. Smriti Mandhana informed at the toss that Shree Charani has been rested for the game. However, she didn't give any particular reason for the rest so it could be about workload management or a specific performance-related concern.

Leg-spinner Prema Rawat has been named Shree Charani replacement for the IND-W vs ZIM-W 3rd T20I, who will have an opportunity to showcase her skills on the international stage as India look to utilise their squad depth in a match where the series outcome is already decided.

Shree Charani Performance in First Two Matches

Shree Charani delivered consistent performances with the ball in the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe Women, picking up a wicket in each match. In the series opener on October 16, the left-arm spinner returned figures of 1/14 in her four overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.50 as India secured a four-wicket victory.

Charani continued her contribution in the second T20I on October 18, claiming 1/21 in four overs at an economy rate of 5.25. She dismissed Zimbabwe batter Michelle Mavunga as India restricted the visitors to 102/8 before completing a dominant nine-wicket win.

Charani has been an important part of India’s bowling attack during the series. Being one of the best women cricketers going around, she also features in India’s squad for the Zimbabwe tour, including the upcoming ODI leg, making it important not to interpret her absence from this particular T20I as a longer-term selection decision.