Smriti Mandhana reveals why Arundhati Reddy is not playing today’s match
Speaking at the toss, Mandhana highlighted the excitement surrounding the match, crediting the strong crowd presence for the positive energy around the field. With RCB opting to field first, Mandhana confirmed three changes to the lineup, one of which was an enforced change.
Reddy, a regular part of RCB’s bowling unit, was ruled out after falling unwell, prompting the inclusion of Sayali Satghare. Mandhana made it clear that the team had little choice and emphasized that the players’ health remains the priority. In addition to that change, Georgia vol was brought in Linsey Smithwhile Prema Rawat replace Dayalan Hemalathadecisions that were more tactical in nature as RCB strove to maintain balance while bowling.
Mandhana expressed satisfaction with the way the squad has adapted so far, noting that the team environment and momentum have helped them make seamless transitions despite personnel changes.
“We would like to be the first to act today. We have three changes today. [Georgia] Voll replaces Linsey [Smith]According to [Rawat] occurs [Dayalan] Hemalatha, while Arundhati [Reddy] is unwell, so Sayali [Satghare] comes in,” Mandhana said at the toss.
Chinelle Henry sidelined as Lucy Hamilton’s DC debut
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals captain Rodrigues confirmed that Henry had missed due to an injury sustained in the previous match. Unlike RCB’s illness-related change, Henry’s absence was precautionary, with the team management opting not to risk aggravating the injury midway through the tournament.
Rodrigues has revealed this Lucia Hamilton was called up to the XI as a like-for-like replacement, marking her debut in the WPL. The DC skipper spoke highly of Hamilton, describing her as a composed youngster with leadership experience, having captained Australia at Under-19 level. Rodrigues’ familiarity with Hamilton from their time together at Brisbane Heat also added to her confidence in the debutant’s readiness for the big stage.
“We have one change. Henry is out due to injury from the last game, and Lucy Hamilton comes in her place and makes her debut tonight. We played together for the Brisbane Heat. She is a youngster. She has also managed the Australia Under-19 team,” Rodrigues said.
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Contrasting fortunes on the points table
The changes come at a crucial time for both teams. RCB go into the match undefeated, having won all three matches so far and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. Their consistent performances allowed them to change players without disrupting the rhythm.
Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, are at the bottom, with just one win from three matches. Injuries like Henry’s have exacerbated their struggles, forcing them to test strength on the bench and blood new faces as they look for momentum in the tournament.
Play XI from both sides
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (playing XI): Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh(w), Gautami Naik, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell
Delhi Capitals (playing XI): Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee(w), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Lucy Hamilton, Sneh Rana, Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Nandni Sharma, Shree Charani
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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