Harmanpreet Kaur could feature in second ODI, Deepti Sharma offers update

India women’s team all-rounder Deepti Sharma has all but confirmed that Harmanpreet Kaur will be available for India’s second ODI against Australia, easing concerns after the captain’s knee scare in the series opener.

Harmanpreet had injured her left knee while batting against Megan Schutt during the first ODI in Brisbane, a match India narrowly lost following their 2-1 T20I series win. With the three-match ODI series now finely poised, Deepti provided an encouraging update ahead of Friday’s clash in Hobart.

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“I can say that she is fit and fine,” Deepti said during the pre-match press conference, signalling that the Indian captain is ready to return to the field.

Reflecting on the opener, Deepti emphasised that the team’s focus remains on execution rather than results. “I think it’s good. As a team, we played really well. But obviously, the result has not gone our way. We are looking forward as a team, and we will come back stronger in the next game,” she said.

The all-rounder also highlighted the team’s confidence heading into the crucial second ODI. “Personally, I’m always confident with them whenever we play. We want to play our best cricket in the next game,” she added.

Turning to conditions at Bellerive Oval, Deepti suggested the surface could assist spinners but noted that training sessions painted a slightly different picture. “When I played here earlier, it was turning and holding for spinners. But during practice today, the pitch came nicely on the bat. We are focusing on our skills.”

On India’s bowling combinations and tactical approach, Deepti kept her message simple:

“We will do it as we did in previous games. I’m focusing on myself and how I can contribute to the team. Decisions on the bowling and strategy depend on the team management.”

With Kaur fit and the team optimistic, India will look to bounce back and level the series in Hobart.