The fourth T20 International between the Indian women’s cricket team and Sri Lanka drew significant attention, not just for India’s commanding position in the series but also for the absence of star batter Jemimah Rodrigues from the playing XI. As India and Sri Lanka locked horns in the fourth match of the five-game T20I series, fans were left wondering why one of India’s most consistent middle-order batters was missing from the lineup.

Before the start of the fourth match, India were already in a strong position, holding a 3–0 lead in the series and needing just one more win to seal it. The match was played at the Greenfield International Stadium, where India eventually delivered another dominant performance. However, Jemimah Rodrigues not featuring in the playing eleven became a major talking point.

Official Reason Behind Jemimah Rodrigues’ Absence

The reason for Jemimah Rodrigues missing the fourth T20I was clarified at the toss itself. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed that Jemimah was ruled out due to illness. As a precautionary measure, the team management decided not to risk her, especially with the series already firmly in India’s control.

Harmanpreet also revealed that Kranti Goud was rested, giving the team an opportunity to test their bench strength. In place of the missing players, Harleen Deol and Arundhati Reddy were brought into the playing XI, ensuring balance in both batting and bowling departments.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Team Rotation

Speaking at the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur highlighted that the ongoing series presents a valuable opportunity for the team to experiment with combinations and give game time to more players.

She emphasized that with the series advantage already secured, the focus was on assessing squad depth and allowing different players to step up under match conditions. Harmanpreet expressed satisfaction with how players have responded throughout the series, noting that several individuals have taken responsibility and delivered impactful performances.

She also pointed out that the fourth T20I was a unique challenge, as India were batting first for the first time in the series. Without the pressure of chasing a target, the plan was to put up a competitive total and test Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

India’s Batting Dominance Despite Jemimah’s Absence

Even without Jemimah Rodrigues, India’s batting unit delivered a sensational performance. After Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana took full advantage of the conditions.

The pair went on to register a historic opening partnership, helping India post a massive 221 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 20 overs. The total turned out to be India’s highest-ever score in women’s T20 internationals, underlining the depth and strength of the batting lineup.

The middle order, featuring Harleen Deol, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, ensured that the momentum built by the openers was maintained until the final over.

Series Situation and India’s Strategy

With the fourth match in progress, India’s approach clearly reflected confidence and long-term planning. Jemimah Rodrigues’ absence was not due to any disciplinary or form-related issue, but purely a health-related precaution. Given her importance to the team across formats, the management chose recovery over risk.

Harmanpreet reiterated that such series provide the perfect platform to rotate players, manage workload, and prepare backups ahead of bigger international tournaments. The Indian team’s performance so far has demonstrated that even with key players missing, the side has the depth to dominate opposition consistently.

Playing XIs for the Fourth T20I

India Playing XI:
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani

Sri Lanka Playing XI:
Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana (Wicketkeeper), Malsha Shehani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kavya Kavindi, Nimesha Madhushani

Final Word

Jemimah Rodrigues missing the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka was a strategic and health-based decision, not a cause for concern. With India already dominating the series, the team management prioritized player well-being and squad rotation. Judging by India’s record-breaking performance in the match, the strategy worked perfectly, further reinforcing the depth and balance of the Indian women’s cricket team.