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Richa Ghosh Skips NZ ODIs for Exams
India’s young wicketkeeper, Richa Ghosh, will miss the much-anticipated ODI series against New Zealand to sit for her class 12 board exams. At just 21 years old, Richa has already made a significant impact on India’s international cricket since joining the team in 2020 at the age of 16. While her absence will be felt, she is focusing on an important milestone in her academic journey.
India to Face New Zealand Without Ghosh
The Indian squad of 16, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will compete against New Zealand in a three-match ODI series in Ahmedabad later this month. The matches are scheduled for October 24, 27, and 29. Harmanpreet’s captaincy is under the spotlight after India’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, with their opening-game loss to New Zealand proving to be a turning point.
New Faces in the Squad
Despite Richa Ghosh skipping NZ ODIs for exams, India’s squad includes some exciting new talents. Seam-bowling allrounders Sayali Satghare and Saima Thakor, legspinner Priya Mishra, and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis have earned their maiden ODI call-ups. This injection of fresh faces will be crucial as India prepares to face a challenging New Zealand side.
Injury and Resting Updates
The BCCI confirmed that Asha Sobhana, India’s legspinner, will miss the series due to injury, while allrounder Pooja Vastrakar has been rested. With these changes, the team will look to find the right balance and come out strong against New Zealand.
India’s Squad for the New Zealand ODIs
- Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
- Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt)
- Shafali Verma
- D Hemalatha
- Deepti Sharma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Yastika Bhatia (wk)
- Uma Chetry (wk)
- Sayali Satghare
- Arundhati Reddy
- Renuka Singh
- Tejal Hasabnis
- Saima Thakor
- Priya Mishra
- Radha Yadav
- Shreyanka Patil
India Looks to Regroup Without Ghosh
With the absence of Richa Ghosh skipping NZ ODIs for exams, the Indian squad has some reshuffling to do, but the inclusion of new talents brings optimism. India is aiming to regroup after their T20 World Cup campaign and bounce back in the upcoming ODIs.
