New Delhi: Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and pace bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, two crucial players of the Indian T20I setup, are unlikely to play in the semi-finals against Australia. As per some reports, the cricketers are unwell. This might prove to be a big blow to India’s chances against the mighty Australian side.
Smirti Mandhana will lead the side in absence of Kaur in the semis of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
While Pooja Vastrakar has not contributed much with the bat, she picked two wickets and has been able to contain runs in the tournament for India. Meanwhile, Harmanpreet played a crucial knock of 33 against West Indies in a tricky chase after India lost their top order. And who can forget Harman’s 171 off 115 in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 to beat Australia in the semi-finals?
While India needed everything in the right place before the semis, this can prove as a big chance for the Australians to march into yet another tournament finals unbeaten.
While India will miss Vastrakar’s pace services, the team might have to bring back Devika Vaidya in the playing XI to fill in the all-rounder spot. On the other hand, Yastika Bhatia and Harleen Deol are two options to replace Harmanpreet. While India will miss Kaur’s experience, the stage is set for youngsters to prove themselves against the best.
Mandhana, who is India’s highest scorer in the tournament, will have a lot on her plate and Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh delivering would be a great sigh of relief. Meanwhile, India would need the golden arms of Renuka Thakur and Deepti Sharma to counter in-form Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry.
