Shafali is definitely in scheme of things: Mandhana

DROPPED following poor returns last year, big-hitting opener Shafali Verma "definitely" remains in the scheme of things, Indian women's team captain Smriti Mandhana said on Thursday.

Mandhana is leading the Indian team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, who has been rested for the three-match ODI series against Ireland, along with pacer Renuka Thakur.

Known for her penchant to go after the bowlers from the get-go, Shafali was dropped from the squad for the ODI series against Australia in December.

"Harman is rested and that was very clear. Shefali in the last two or three one-day series, she's not been part of the squad. Pratika (Rawal) in the last series has done really well in her absence, but definitely Shefali scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket, so she's definitely in the scheme of things," Mandhana said on the eve of the series opener

"I'm really happy that she went back and got those runs."

Mandhana said the team is looking forward to doing well with resources she has at her disposal.

"As a team, we do not have to think what is not there because we want to go out there and have the positive mindset that we have a really balanced squad."

While the Indians ended on the wrong side of results against the Australians, a strong outing against the West Indies in the last series has given the side lots of confidence heading the rubber against the Irish.

In the absence of players like Harmanpreet and Renuka, the series against little-known Ireland is a perfect platform for the younger players to impress and stake a claim for selection ahead of the ODI World Cup, which India is hosting later this year.

While Ireland may not be the strongest opponents, the lack of knowledge about the visitors makes the series interesting.

Mandhana also said the teams continues to strive towards becoming one of the best fielding sides in the world. (PTI)