Why Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Singh are not playing in IND vs SL 5th T20I, explained

India took on Sri Lanka in the fifth and final T20I of the women’s series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to complete a clean 5–0 sweep. Having already secured the series with a 4–0 lead, the Indian team decided to make a few changes for the final match.

Ahead of the game, fans noticed that vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and star fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur were missing from the Playing XI. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur later confirmed that both players were rested for the final match of the series.

The decision was taken as part of workload management, with India already winning the series. The team management chose to give rest to key players while also offering opportunities to younger talent.

Why Mandhana and Renuka were rested

At the toss, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won and chose to bowl first. During the pre-match interaction, Harmanpreet Kaur explained the changes in the Indian team. She confirmed that Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Singh were not injured and had simply been rested.

Kaur said that the team wanted to finish the series strongly but also felt it was important to manage player workload. With the series already decided, the coaching staff and selectors used the final match to rotate the squad.

Smriti Mandhana has been a key player throughout the series, contributing with the bat at the top of the order. Renuka Singh Thakur, meanwhile, has led India’s pace attack and played an important role with the ball. Resting both players allowed them to recover and stay fresh for upcoming international commitments.

Harmanpreet also confirmed that 17-year-old G Kamalini was handed her international debut in the final T20I. Kamalini was brought into the Playing XI to gain valuable experience at the highest level. Along with her, Sneh Rana returned to the side, adding depth to India’s bowling and all-round options.

Speaking at the toss, Harmanpreet said that India wanted to maintain the momentum they had built throughout the series. She added that even though changes were made, the team’s focus remained on playing good cricket and ending the series on a positive note.

The inclusion of young players in such matches is often seen as a long-term investment. With senior players rested, youngsters get a chance to perform without pressure and learn from match situations against quality opposition.

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Changes in both teams and match outlook

Sri Lanka also made two changes to their Playing XI for the final T20I. Captain Chamari Athapaththu said the team decided to bowl first because they had shown improvement in the previous game. Sri Lanka lost the fourth T20I by 30 runs but displayed better discipline and competitiveness.

Athapaththu said that the series had been a valuable learning experience for her team, especially since they were playing against a strong Indian side. She highlighted that matches against top teams help younger players understand international standards and identify areas for improvement.

Sri Lanka brought back Inoka Ranaweera and Malki Madara into the team, replacing Malsha Shehani and Kawya Kavindi. The captain said these changes were made to give different players opportunities and test combinations.

Sri Lanka’s Playing XI included Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu, Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaushani Nuthyangana as wicketkeeper, Nimasha Madushani, Inoka Ranaweera, and Malki Madara.

India’s Playing XI featured Shafali Verma and debutant G Kamalini at the top, followed by Richa Ghosh, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, and Shree Charani.

With several regular players rested, the match gave India a chance to test its bench strength. The team management has been keen on building a strong pool of players who can step up when needed, especially with a busy international calendar ahead.

For Sri Lanka, the final T20I was an opportunity to end the series on a positive note and take confidence back home. Despite the one-sided scoreline of the series, the Sri Lankan captain said the team had gained valuable experience and would use the lessons learned to improve in future tours.

Overall, the absence of Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Singh Thakur was a strategic decision rather than a concern. India’s focus remained on maintaining winning momentum, managing player fitness, and preparing young players for future challenges, while Sri Lanka looked to gain confidence and experience from playing one of the world’s strongest teams.