The Indian side is loaded with top-order batters, and the new all-format captain Harmanpreet Kaur asserts that everyone will get an opportunity to prove themselves in the T20 series against Sri Lanka, which gets underway on Thursday (June 23).

The top-order batters in India's 15-member squad include the big-hitting of Shafali Verma, the elegance of Smriti Mandhana, Sabbhineni Meghana, and Yastika Bhatia. 

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Shafali and Yastika opened the batting against New Zealand in February in Smriti's absence.

“We do have many top-order batters, including three to four of them, who can play as openers. But, when it comes to this team, everyone will have opportunity to showcase their skills,” Harmanpreet said on the eve of the series-opener.

“We all are representing our country and whatever opportunity might come at some point, we must make the best use of it. We have many batters who can play at any position. We will try to give everyone the space to bat where they feel comfortable,” she added.

Harmanpreet also supported Jemimah Rodrigues, a talented all-rounder who was left off from the team for the most recent ODI World Cup but has since returned for the series against Sri Lanka.

“Jemimah is truly an experienced player. She will definitely play a crucial role in the T20 series,” Kaur said.

The captain acknowledged that while it is not always possible to provide everyone with an equal opportunity, it is her duty to speak with everyone in order to determine the ideal team composition for major competitions.

“I will ensure that everyone has enough chances to prepare. If you look at Jemimah’s case, she always grabs whatever opportunities come her way. Similarly, it’s very important to keep talking to other players and find out the right combination for big-ticket events like the Commonwealth Games,” she remarked.

(PTI INPUTS)