India head coach Amol Muzumdar has confirmed that Jemimah Rodrigues sat out Thursday’s training session due to a minor fitness concern ahead of the third T20I against Sri Lanka on December 26 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Addressing the media during the pre-match press conference, Muzumdar clarified that Jemimah opted for a precautionary rest day and that a call on her inclusion would be taken on the morning of the match.
“Jemimah had a little bit of an issue, but I think she’s fine. She’s just resting today. The doctors and physios are keeping a close watch on her and monitoring her consistently. It’s just a mandatory rest she wanted. We’ll decide the playing XI on the morning of the game,” Muzumdar said.
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Jemimah was instrumental in India’s dominant eight-wicket win in the series opener, scoring an unbeaten 69 and earning the Player of the Match award. In the second T20I, she continued her good form with a brisk 26 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Kawya Kavindi.
Should Jemimah be unavailable, the door could open for Harleen Deol or 17-year-old G Kamalini. Kamalini had earlier earned her maiden India call-up alongside left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma. While Vaishnavi has featured in both matches and claimed two wickets, Kamalini is yet to make her international debut.
Muzumdar also provided a positive update on Deepti Sharma’s fitness, confirming that the senior all-rounder is fully fit and available for selection. Deepti had missed the second T20I after suffering from a mild fever, with Sneh Rana replacing her in the playing XI.
“Deepti is absolutely fine. She’s available and fit,” Muzumdar said.
Deepti’s return presents the team management with a selection dilemma. Rana made a strong impression in her lone appearance, returning figures of 4-0-11-1, including the crucial wicket of Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. With Rana staking her claim, Amanjot Kaur could come under pressure, having bowled three wicketless overs and not yet had an opportunity to bat in the series.
