In a bid to keep the T20I series alive, Bharat chose to bowl first in a rain-affected match in Chennai after a “head injury” sidelined Richa Ghosh from the squad. This injury paved the way for 21-year-old Uma Chetry from Assam to make her debut as a wicketkeeper, becoming the second female cricketer from Assam to represent Bharat.
Bharat’s lineup underwent further adjustments with Arundhati Reddy replacing pace spearhead Renuka Singh and Sajeevan Sajana stepping in for D Hemalatha at No. 3, aiming to enhance their middle-order strength. Sajana, known for her finishing skills during the WPL 2024 with Mumbai Indians, joined Bharat’s spin attack along with all rounder Shreyanka Patil, who replaced leg spinner Asha Sobhana.
South Africa, in contrast, maintained the winning XI from their previous match.
Uma Chetry, originally part of Bharat’s T20I squad against South Africa, received her maiden cap following Ghosh’s injury. The right-handed batter has shown promise in domestic tournaments, including notable performances in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy and T20 Trophy 2023, as well as representing India A against England in late 2023.
India, after dominating the ODIs and securing a convincing win in the Test match, now aims to bounce back in the T20I series following a narrow defeat in the series opener in Chennai.
