Captain Harmanpreet KAur has won the toss and opted to field first in the IND vs SL 1st t20I on Sunday. India Women return to the field for the first time since their World Cup triumph in November for the 5-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The series marks a crucial step in the Women in Blue's preparations for the Women's T20 World Cup in England next year.
India handed Vaishnavi Sharma her debut in Vishakhapatnam. Shafali Verma retains her spot at the top of the order with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Arundhati Reddy makes the cut ahead of Renuka Singh Thakur.
India Women Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
Sri Lanka Women Playing XI: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana(w), Kavisha Dilhari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Kawya Kavindi, Shashini Gimhani
Several stars from India's World Cup-winning squad headline the 15-member team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain and Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Series at the World Cup, continuing her key all-rounder role.
Head coach Amol Mazumdar has also used the series to test new talent. 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini has earned her maiden call-up, replacing Yastika Bhatia, who is currently rehabilitating from an ACL injury. Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, the leading wicket-taker in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy 2025, has also been rewarded with a national debut.
India last featured in a T20I series in July, clinching a hard-fought 3-2 win against England away from home.
