IND vs SL: With the series already sealed, India have opted to rest star opener Smriti Mandhana for the fifth and final T20I against Sri Lanka, handing a maiden international cap to 17-year-old G Kamalini.
The move reflects India’s focus on workload management and squad depth as they continue to build toward major tournaments ahead.
Mandhana was the Player of the Match in the fourth T20I, where she returned to form in style with a fluent 80-run knock.
However, she appeared to suffer a slight niggle toward the end of the game, prompting the team management to take a cautious approach with the series outcome no longer in doubt.
G Kamalini Earns India Call-Up After Rapid Rise
All eyes will be on G Kamalini, one of the brightest young talents in Indian women’s cricket, as she makes her international debut.
The left-handed batter announced herself on the big stage earlier this year during the U-19 Women’s World Cup, where she finished as the third-highest run-scorer with 143 runs from seven innings.
Kamalini’s numbers at the tournament underlined her temperament and consistency:
- Average: 35.75
- Highest score: 56 (not out)*
Her calm approach and ability to anchor innings made her one of the standout performers of the competition.
From U-19 Star to WPL History-Maker
Kamalini’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. She grabbed national headlines when Mumbai Indians signed her for ₹1.60 crore at the Women’s Premier League auction.
On February 18, she went on to create history by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the WPL, debuting at just 16 years and 213 days for the 2023 champions against Gujarat Giants in Vadodara.
Impressed by her development and potential, Mumbai Indians retained Kamalini ahead of the WPL 2026 auction, keeping her alongside senior stars such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews and Amanjot Kaur.
India Rings the Changes for Final T20I
India have made multiple changes for the dead rubber. Along with Mandhana, Renuka Singh Thakur has also been rested, with Sneh Rana coming into the XI. Jemimah Rodrigues, who missed the fourth T20I due to fever, remains unavailable, as does frontline pacer Kranti Goud.
Despite the changes, India field a strong and balanced side, blending youth with experience.
Sri Lanka Make Two Key Inclusions
Sri Lanka, looking to end the series on a positive note, have brought back Inoka Ranaweera and Malki Madara into the playing XI. They replace Malsha Shehani and Kawya Kavindi as the visitors seek more control with the ball and added depth.
IND vs SL 5th Women’s T20I: Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Women:
Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Madavi Samarawickrama (vc), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Nimasha Madushani, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara
India Women:
Shafali Verma, G Kamalini, Richa Ghosh (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy
Bigger Picture for India
With the series already wrapped up, the final T20I offers India a valuable opportunity to test bench strength and blood young talent. G Kamalini’s debut is another sign of India’s long-term planning, as the team continues to build depth and versatility ahead of future global tournaments.
For fans, the spotlight will firmly be on the teenager as she takes her first steps on the international stage.
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