In a significant last-minute change to India’s women’s cricket squad, experienced left-arm spinner Radha Yadav has been drafted in as a like-for-like replacement for Shuchi Upadhyay, who has been ruled out of the white-ball tour of England due to a left shin injury. The injury was identified during the pre-tour preparations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, dealing a harsh blow to the 20-year-old rising star.
Shuchi’s unfortunate exit comes just as she was on the verge of a breakthrough in her T20I career. She was part of the ODI squad during India’s most recent campaign, the tri-series in Sri Lanka, and was all set to make her maiden T20I appearance on this England tour. But her promising campaign has been derailed before it could properly begin.
The young spinner had been making waves in the domestic circuit, notably finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy held in December last year. Representing Madhya Pradesh, she grabbed 18 wickets in just nine innings, with an impressive economy rate of 3.48 and average of 15.44. Her all-round impact was rewarded with the Player of the Tournament award as Madhya Pradesh clinched the title.
Radha Yadav, 24, returns to the international fold armed with a wealth of experience and an impressive track record. The left-arm spinner has represented India in seven ODIs and 84 T20Is, collecting 8 wickets in the 50-over format and an outstanding 97 wickets in T20Is. She was last seen in national colours in December 2024, where she bagged four wickets against West Indies in a T20I series. Despite that impactful performance, she was unexpectedly left out of the ODI squad that followed—a decision that raised more than a few eyebrows.
Her return is more than just a tactical change—it’s a redemption arc. Before the West Indies tour, Radha topped the wicket charts during the home ODI series against New Zealand, emerging as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 7 wickets from 3 matches. Her knack for delivering under pressure could be a decisive asset for India in English conditions.
The injury to Shuchi Upadhyay not only alters India’s bowling dynamics but also shifts the spotlight onto Radha, who now has a chance to reclaim her place in the setup ahead of a crucial few months, especially with the World Cup looming.
India are set to face England Women in a five-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs, starting June 28. These matches are expected to be a key test for India’s new-look squad, as they prepare for a packed international calendar.
Updated India Women’s Squads for England Tour:
T20I Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav
ODI Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav
With a mix of emerging talents and seasoned campaigners, India will be aiming to make a strong statement in England. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and Radha Yadav is back in the mix, looking to spin her magic once again.
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