Trisha Ghosal in Mullanpur
This India–Australia series has more significance than it seems. Both sides need crucial answers before the World Cup.
India’s key questions
When Amanjot Kaur returns, who partners her with the new ball – Renuka Singh or Kranti Goud? Both rely on inswing as their stock delivery and offer similar batting depth. Renuka, back after injury, has not played international cricket since last December. During her rehab, India unearthed Kranti. Her inswingers filled the gap impressively. But with the home World Cup approaching, the team must choose between Renuka’s experience and Kranti’s momentum after recent success in England. Renuka must prove two things – her fitness, and whether her bowling rhythm has survived the long layoff.
India’s fielding will also be under the scanner. Ground fielding, especially on the boundary, cost them dearly at the last T20 World Cup. Although sharper in England, under lights the pressure rises again. Catching and boundary work will test India’s progress.
At No. 3, Harleen Deol has a pivotal role. With Yastika Bhatia injured, India lack a direct replacement. Harleen has made starts but rarely converted them – six scores above 25 in her last eight innings, without crossing 47. In 2025, she has 369 runs from 11 ODI innings at 36.90, strike-rate 78.01, with just one fifty. Those returns are modest for such a crucial spot, and India’s World Cup hopes will depend heavily on her stepping up.
Australia’s key questions
Can Alyssa Healy keep wickets in all three ODIs? Injuries have limited her cricket in 2025. She returned against India A, keeping only in the ODIs. As captain and opener, her workload is heavy, and if keeping affects her batting, Beth Mooney may have to step in.
At the top, should Healy partner Phoebe Litchfield or Georgia Voll? Litchfield adds left–right variety and flair but has been inconsistent. Voll offers greater stability. In the spin department, with Sophie Molineux set to return for the World Cup, Australia must weigh Georgia Wareham’s batting depth against Alana King’s fine ODI form – 11 wickets at 4.18 this year, albeit all in Australia. How they fare in Indian conditions will shape selection.
Then, there is the weather. Chandigarh feels closer to 35°C with humidity. Megan Schutt joked that electrolytes would be her “best friend” here, but endurance will be no laughing matter. Matches begin at 1.30 pm in this series and 3 pm in the World Cup. Heat and hydration may yet decide Australia’s resilience.
Also Read: Renuka’s Return, Harmanpreet’s 150-Game Landmark and India’s Mountain to Climb Against Australia