Team India lost the one-off T20 against New Zealand.
India Women's T20I vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is still in managed isolation, as per New Zealand government guidelines, which is why she did not play in the one-off T20I against New Zealand women, India's Yastika Bhatia revealed.
Bowlers Meghna Singh and Renuka Singh are also in managed isolation with Mandhana, according to Bhatia. It's difficult to say whether these three will be available for selection in Saturday's first ODI of the five-match series.
"Smriti Mandhana, Meghna Singh, and Renuka Singh are in compulsory MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) as per New Zealand government guidelines. That is all we can say at the moment," said Yastika during a virtual press conference.
New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in the one-off T20I at the John Davies Oval on Wednesday, thanks to good batting from Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, as well as Jess Kerr's two-wicket haul.
Bates and Devine had earlier contributed 36 and 31 runs respectively to help New Zealand reach 155/5 in the allotted twenty overs. Deepti Sharma returned with two wickets for India.
"There is a lot of wind over here, we have to assess wind conditions and then play our shots accordingly. Timing the ball is crucial over here. This tour is important for me, we are getting a series here, and doing well for us is important," said Yastika.
India and New Zealand will now compete in a five-match ODI series, which begins on Saturday.
(With ANI Inputs)T