After India’s exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup in the group stage, attention will immediately turn to next year’s ODI World Cup where India hosts New Zealand for a three-match series starting October 24 in Ahmedabad. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a 16-member squad. Three notable absentees are Richa Ghosh, Pooja Vastrakar and Asha Sobhana.

Goalkeeper bat Ghosh was not available for selection due to her Class 12 exams. Leg-spinner Sobhana, who missed India’s T20 World Cup match against Australia after sustaining a knee injury immediately after throwing, continues to be monitored by the BCCI medical team. Meanwhile, fast bowler Vastrakar, who also struggled at the start of India’s World Cup season, was granted a break from the series.

Other changes from the side that beat South Africa 3-0 in their last ODI appearance in July include the return of goalkeeper Yastika Bhatia, who has returned from injury in the T20 World Cup. Priya Puniya, Saika Ishaque and Shabnam Shakil are the others to drop out of the final ODI squad.

The selection committee instead rewarded Maharashtra’s Tejal Hasabnis after her strong performances for India A in Australia, where she scored three half-centuries. Gujarat Giants’ Sayali Satgare and Priya Mishra and UP Warriorz seamer Saima Thakor are the others named in the squad.