Ace pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against Australia Women, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In her place, pace-bowling all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, who participated in the white-ball segment of the ongoing tour, has been named as Renuka's replacement for the Test, set to take place at the W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth starting Thursday, March 06. 

 

The team management has decided to give Renuka a break, considering her consistent availability with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad. This move not only helps manage her workload but also ensures she gets enough rest to avoid injuries ahead of the crucial Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which kicks off in June. Besides Renuka, the Indian team also has Amanjot Kaur and Kranti Goud as additional pace options. 

 

The upcoming match will be a day-night affair featuring a pink ball. It follows the white-ball leg of the tour, where the visitors secured a 2-1 victory in the three T20Is.

 

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Meanwhile, the Australians made a strong comeback, sweeping Harmanpreet & Co. in the ODIs, adding some excitement to the series. The winner of the Perth Test will also claim the tour victory. 

 

Renuka Singh Thakur’s absence from the one-off Test against Australia Women paves the way for Kashvee Gautam to shine in Perth. The management’s choice to rest Renuka showcases a thoughtful approach to workload management ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, ensuring that key players stay fit and injury-free.

 

With other pace options like Amanjot Kaur and Kranti Goud, India is set to challenge the hosts in this crucial day-night pink-ball clash, making the outcome vital for securing the series win. 

 

India Women's updated squad for one-off Test against Australia

 

Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Uma Chetry, Harleen Deol, Kranti Goud, Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur, Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sayali Satghare, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Vaishnavi Sharma, and Kashvee Gautam.