Jintimani Kalita Replaces Injured Renuka Singh Thakur in India Women's ODI Squad for Zimbabwe Series 2026

The India Women's cricket team has announced a crucial change to its squad for the highly anticipated three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe, with young all-rounder Jintimani Kalita stepping in for pace spearhead Renuka Singh Thakur. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the replacement on Thursday, October 22, citing Renuka's ongoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence to build up her bowling workload for the 50-over format. Harmanpreet Kaur Breaks Down in Tears After Smashing Unbeaten 91 in IND-W vs ZIM-W 3rd T20I 2026.

Jintimani Kalita Replaces Injured Renuka Singh Thakur

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Jintimani Kalita replaces injured Renuka Singh Thakur in #TeamIndia’s ODI squad

More Details 🔽 | #INDvZIM | @mflone_

https://t.co/erlYBmRSPl

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 22, 2026

The series opener is set to commence today, Friday, October 23, 2026, at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, marking a significant moment as Smriti Mandhana leads India as full-time ODI captain for the first time. This historic bilateral series also represents the first time India Women and Zimbabwe Women are facing each other in international cricket.

Jintimani Kalita Steps Up, Renuka Focuses on Recovery

Jintimani Kalita, a 22-year-old right-arm medium bowler and left-handed batter born on December 25, 2003, was part of India's recently concluded 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe in Raipur. Her inclusion provides another seam-boling option for the Indian side in the absence of the experienced Renuka Singh Thakur.

Renuka Singh Thakur, born on January 2, 1996, is 30 years old and has been a vital part of India's bowling attack. Her absence is a precautionary measure to ensure she regains full match fitness for the demanding ODI format, as she continues to work on her bowling volume at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Series Details

The three-match ODI series is an integral part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025-29, adding significant context to each encounter. All matches will be played at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2027 Schedule Announced: Bangladesh and Nepal To Co-Host Tournament.

Here's the full schedule for the ODI series:

Smriti Mandhana will lead the Indian contingent in this significant series, fresh off their dominant performance in the T20Is. The team will be keen to continue their winning momentum against a developing Zimbabwe side, as they also look to integrate new talent like Kalita into the 50-over setup.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 10:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).