India Women are preparing for their upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe Women, with attention turning to squad selection, leadership changes and preparations for the home assignment. The series will begin on October 23, 2026, in Vadodara, following a three-match T20 International series between the two teams.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squads for both formats on October 6, confirming Smriti Mandhana as captain across formats. The upcoming fixtures will mark an important opportunity for the Women in Blue to build momentum while giving the team management a closer look at its available options.
The ODI series will also form part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–29, adding significance to the contest as India look to strengthen their position in the international one-day format.
Smriti Mandhana Takes Charge of India Women
One of the biggest developments ahead of the series is Smriti Mandhana’s appointment as India’s new captain. The experienced opening batter will lead the side following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down from captaincy across formats.
Mandhana has established herself as one of India’s most important batters, bringing considerable international experience to the leadership role. Her appointment represents a new chapter for the team as it prepares for upcoming international commitments.
Deepti Sharma has been named vice-captain of the ODI squad, providing additional experience within the leadership group. Harmanpreet Kaur remains part of the squad as a player, allowing India to retain her batting experience while introducing a new captain.
The leadership transition will be an important storyline throughout the series. Mandhana and the coaching staff will have the opportunity to establish their preferred combinations, assess players in different roles and build consistency across the batting and bowling departments.
India Women’s ODI Squad Features Experience and Youth
India’s squad combines established international performers with younger players looking to strengthen their positions in the national setup.
The announced ODI squad includes:
- Smriti Mandhana (captain)
- Shafali Verma
- Pratika Rawal
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Harleen Deol
- Tejal Hasabnis
- Deepti Sharma (vice-captain)
- Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
- Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper)
- Vaishnavi Sharma
- Nandni Sharma
- Sree Charani
- Kranti Gaud
- Sayali Satghare
- Renuka Thakur
The selection offers India several options across the batting order, wicketkeeping department and bowling attack. Mandhana and Shafali Verma provide established opening options, while Harmanpreet Kaur brings middle-order experience.
Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol and Tejal Hasabnis add further batting choices, while Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia provide wicketkeeping alternatives.
India’s bowling resources include experienced seamers and spin options, with Deepti Sharma expected to play an important all-round role. The selectors have also included younger players who can gain valuable experience in international cricket.
The series should provide opportunities for the selected players to demonstrate their readiness for the demands of ODI cricket.
India vs Zimbabwe ODI Series Schedule
The ODI leg will follow the three-match T20I series, which is scheduled to take place in Raipur from October 16 to 20.
The confirmed ODI fixtures are:
- First ODI: October 23, 2026 — Vadodara
- Second ODI: October 25, 2026 — Vadodara
- Third ODI: October 28, 2026 — Vadodara
All three matches will be played in Vadodara, giving India a consistent home venue throughout the one-day leg.
The tour will mark the first-ever bilateral international meeting between India Women and Zimbabwe Women. This makes the contest a new chapter in women’s international cricket and an opportunity for both sides to measure themselves against an unfamiliar opponent.
For India, the focus will be on translating squad depth into consistent performances. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will aim to make the most of the historic tour and compete against an established international side.
Why the ODI Series Matters for India’s Campaign
The upcoming India Women ODI series against Zimbabwe carries significance beyond the immediate results because it forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–29.
Matches in the championship contribute to the wider qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029. Consequently, securing results in bilateral ODI series remains important for teams seeking to strengthen their qualification prospects.
India will want to make effective use of home conditions while maintaining consistency in all three departments. Strong opening partnerships, a reliable middle order and disciplined bowling could prove important as the team works towards its objectives.
The leadership change also creates an opportunity to establish clarity around roles. With Mandhana leading and Deepti serving as vice-captain, India will look to maintain continuity while adapting to the new leadership structure.
However, Zimbabwe should not be underestimated. As this will be the sides’ first bilateral international meeting, the series will offer both teams new challenges and learning opportunities.
What to Expect From India Women
India’s immediate attention will first turn to the T20I series before the focus shifts to the longer 50-over format. The different formats require distinct approaches, particularly in batting tempo, innings management and bowling strategy.
For the ODI squad, the challenge will be to build partnerships, rotate the strike effectively and maintain pressure throughout the innings. India’s bowling attack will also need to deliver consistent performances across the powerplay, middle overs and closing stages.
The series offers younger squad members an opportunity to make an impression, while experienced players will be expected to provide stability.
With a new captain, a balanced squad and home advantage, India will enter the ODI leg with several positive factors in their favour. Their performances across the three matches will provide an early indication of how effectively the team is adapting to its revised leadership structure.
Follow Howzzat for the latest India Women cricket news, squad updates, match reports and coverage of the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.
