Why is Harmanpreet Kaur not playing today’s IND vs NZ 2024 1st ODI?

India women's team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been ruled out of the first ODI against New Zealand due to a nuggle. In her absence, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will take over the leadership duties at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 24.

Harmanpreet Kaur sustained an injury to her neck during the group stages of the recently concluded 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While she did not miss any matches due to the injury, she was replaced by a substitute fielder during the clash against Sri Lanka in Dubai.

"Note - Ms Harmanpreet Kaur has a niggle and has been rested for the 1st ODI. Smriti Mandhana will be leading the side in her absence," a statement from the BCCI read.

The 35-year-old was named in the squad for the three-match series against New Zealand, but is not fully fit to play the series opener. The home matches mark the beginning of the road to the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India during the September-October window.

Smriti Mandhana had also stepped up as a stand-in captain during the 2024 Women's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka when Harmanpreet Kaur was rested.

How are Team India lined up in Harmanpreet Kaur's absence?

After a T20-heavy season, the ODI phase has brought about a host of changes to India's playing XI. Dayalan Hemalatha and Yastika Bhatia, who spent the entire T20 World Cup campaign on the bench, are included in the batting unit of the playing XI. The duo of Tejal Hasabnis and Saima Thakor are making their debut as well.

The combination includes three seamers in Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy and Saima Thakor, while the spin department includes Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.

The New Zealand playing XI includes a host of usual suspects that are coming fresh off the historic World Cup triumph. Sophie Devine continues to lead the side after relinquishing her T20I captaincy recently.

Team India playing XI for 1st ODI against New Zealand

Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Saima Thakor and Renuka Singh