Wicketkeeper Kalpana returns after 3 years in India''s ODI squad against England

New Delhi, February 9

Wicketkeeper R Kalpana made a comeback to the Indian women's cricket team following a long hiatus after she was included in the 15-member squad, led by skipper Mithali Raj, for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England starting on February 22 in Mumbai.

Kalpana, who last played for India three years ago in a home ODI against Sri Lanka, replaced batting all-rounder D Hemalatha in the squad that had won the ODI series 2-1 in New Zealand.

Kalpana, who made her ODI debut at home against New Zealand in 2015, will be the second wicketkeeper in the squad apart from Taniya Bhatia.

"The All-India Women's Selection Committee has picked the Indian Women's Cricket team for the three-match Paytm ODI series against England Women," the BCCI said in a statement. 

"The three ODIs are a part of the ongoing ICC Women's Championship and will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai."

The Indian board also announced the President's XI squad that will play a warm-up game ahead of the series on February 18.

"The selectors have also picked the Board President's XI squad that will play a one-day warm-up game prior to the ODI series in Mumbai on 18th February," the BCCI said.

India Women's squad for ODI series: Mithali Raj (Captain), Jhulan Goswami, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Taniya Bhatia (wicket-keeper), R Kalpana (wicket-keeper), Mona Meshram, Ekta Bisht, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Mansi Joshi, Punam Raut.

Board President's XI: Smriti Mandhana (Captain), Veda Krishnamurthy, Devika Vaidya, S Meghana, Bharati Fulmali, Komal Zanzad, R Kalpana, Priya Punia, Harleen Deol, Reemalaxmi Ekka, Manali Dakshini, Minnu Mani, Tanuja Kanwar. - PTI