IND vs SL: Why is Smriti Mandhana not playing India's 5th T20I against Sri Lanka?

NEW DELHI: India have made a couple of changes for the fifth and final T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram, with star opener Smriti Mandhana not featuring in the playing XI.

The decision has raised questions among fans, but the reason is straightforward: Mandhana has been rested.



India captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed at the toss that both Smriti Mandhana and fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur were given a break for the final match of the series.

With India already leading the five-match series 4–0, the team management chose to rotate players and give opportunities to others.

“Yeah, I mean, we were okay batting also, so yeah, it's an important match, so let's play well and win. Yeah, definitely. As I mentioned, it's an important match for us. How we started this series, that's how we wanted to finish. Hopefully, again, we'll continue the same momentum and give our best. Yes, we have two changes today, Smriti and Renuka are resting. Kamalini is going to debut and Sneh Rana is back,” Harmanpreet said.

Seventeen-year-old G Kamalini made her international debut and was handed her cap by Harmanpreet.

Sneh Rana returned to the side, replacing Renuka Singh Thakur.

India’s playing XI also included Shafali Verma at the top, with Richa Ghosh behind the stumps and Harmanpreet leading the middle order.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu said her team wanted to build on the positives from the previous game and give youngsters more exposure.

“We decide bowl first. Because we played a little bit good cricket last game, so that's why we decide bowl first. Actually, we learn a lot of things in this tournament, especially we are playing against India the World Champions, so we learn a lot of things in every game. So I think these opportunities are really good for the youngsters and we learn from those mistakes and we learn from good things in here, so we will go home with positive things in next year,” Chamari said.

Sri Lanka Women (Playing XI): Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaushani Nuthyangana(w), Nimasha Madushani, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara

India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, G Kamalini, Richa Ghosh(w), Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani