India’s search for a stable supporting cast ahead of next year’s Women’s World Cup begins with the opening T20I of the five-match series against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

While the core group, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur, remains intact, the management is mindful that most of them are either in their 30s or approaching that phase. The focus, therefore, will be on identifying younger players who can grow into long-term roles.

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In that context, the spotlight will be firmly on teenage batter G Kamalini and left-arm spinner Vaishanavi Sharma. At just 17, Kamalini has already shown remarkable composure across levels, impressing for Tamil Nadu in the BCCI U23 T20 Trophy, starring in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, and gaining valuable exposure with Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League.

Vaishanavi, meanwhile, has been on the selectors’ radar since finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the U19 World Cup with 17 scalps. With Radha Yadav unavailable, the 19-year-old could get an extended run alongside fellow left-arm spinner N Sree Charani, who has also caught the eye in recent months. A strong showing from the duo would significantly strengthen India’s long-term plans.

There will also be attention on Mandhana as she returns to competitive cricket following a difficult phase off the field. The opener has consistently maintained that cricket remains her priority, and the series offers an opportunity to regain rhythm and normalcy.

Harmanpreet, too, will be keen to rediscover her T20 touch after taking a break following India’s ODI World Cup triumph. Shafali Verma, who made a telling impact in the World Cup final after being drafted in as a late replacement, will look to build on that momentum and secure her spot with consistent performances.

Sri Lanka, led by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, will also treat the series as a developmental platform. Youngsters such as 17-year-old ambidextrous spinner Shashnini Gimhani, seamer Kawya Kavindi (23) and 19-year-old Rashmika Sewwandi have been earmarked as future prospects and will relish the chance to test themselves against a seasoned Indian side. The match begins at 7 pm.

(By PTI Inputs)