A curtain-raiser to preparations for 2024 Women's T20 World Cup

India would look to make the most of the head start they get on others for next year's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, as they prepare to take on the hosts in the three-match bilateral series beginning Sunday (July 9).

Eager to put their best foot forward as they kickstart preparations for the next edition, in September-October 2024, interim head coach Nooshin al Khadeer has refuted the notion of experimentation despite their opposition's relative inexperience.

"Well, I don't see that happening because for us, every match is important and there is nothing like experiment. We want to play our best side because the whole idea is to win. And I'm sure Bangladesh is also going to have the same attitude," al Khadeer said on the eve of the series opener in Mirpur.

India, of course, walk in as overwhelming favourites despite it being an away assignment. The Asian giants are leaps and bound ahead of their opponents, and not just on rankings. Nevertheless, Harmanpreet & Co. would know better than to take the team lightly that sprang not one but two surprises to snatch their 2018 Asia Cup crown. Bangladesh may have since slipped up again, and India reclaimed the lost glory, late last year in Bangladesh itself, but the hosts have left no stone unturned in putting a process in place for the national women's team - something that hasn't escaped the attention of the tourists.

"Things have changed over time and obviously they have for Bangladesh cricket too," al Khadeer said. "I have seen in the Under-19 and the Emerging teams. They sent about six Under-19 cricketers for the seniors' World Cup. It just shows how much cricket has grown over time in Bangladesh. That itself is a very positive thing. And then in the Emerging Asia Cup, we had to play the finals against them. They've shown a good attitude over a period of time... These are signals to India to really do well and not experiment actually."

That said, there's some inexplicable selections for the tour even though the core of the team remains intact. As has been the case over the last few years or so, no explanations follow from powers-that-be, meaning Shikha Pandey got snubbed again despite by far being the most successful India pacer on the not-so-bowler-friendly flat tracks on offer at the inaugural WPL in March. What makes the exclusion more befuddling is that it comes at a time when India's "lead pacer" currently, Renuka Thakur, is understood to have missed out due to an undisclosed injury.

India's bowling department bears a relatively inexperienced look, but adds some exciting new prospects into the mix. Left-arm pacer Monica Patel has been recalled alongside Meghana Singh while uncapped left-arm spinners Rashi Kanojiya and Anusha Bareddy have been handed their maiden call-ups. Wicketkeeper-bat Richa Ghosh, one of India's two designated finishers in the shortest format, and experienced spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad - both annual contract holders - miss out for reasons unknown. Shreyanka Patil, find of the year in an otherwise forgettable season for RCB and the Player of the Tournament at the inaugural Emerging Asia Cup 2023 recently, secured a Women's CPL deal based on her ever-growing career trajectory in the last four months but has failed to earn India senior call. As such, the wicketkeeping duties will likely fall back on Yastika Bhatia, who at the WPL 2023 successfully demonstrated - with a bit of role clarity - her T20 gears as full-time opener and 'keeper under her India captain Harmanpreet. Deepti Sharma had a forgettable time then, by her lofty standards, and would be keen to make amends before selectors are forced to look elsewhere.

Like Bangladesh, who chose to look past veteran pacer Jahanara Alam to infuse some fresh blood in the group. In a host of bold calls, Bangladesh have picked a squad balanced with uncapped and experienced hands who would fancy their chances of springing another surprise or two.

The T20Is will be followed by three ODIs, beginning July 16, that are a part of the Women's ODI Championship 2022-25 (IWC) and the points from which will count towards Bangladesh's World Cup qualification. They have had a tough initiation in their maiden IWC campaign, and it will likely not get any easier despite the benefit of home conditions. Bangladesh are currently placed ninth; all their points thus far after six games are a result of weather interventions while playing two back to back away series. In contrast, India - the hosts for the 2025 ODI World Cup and by default assured of their berth - are top of the table, with a 100% win record in as many games.

But the year is only going to get tougher from here on. The series marks the beginning of a packed international calendar for India, with both England and Australia scheduled to visit for a multi-format tour in the last quarter of the year. This though will likely be the last international assignment without a proper head coach in-charge of the side. Nonetheless, determined India would be keen to get a lay of the land ASAP and put down an early marker as they aim to use the subcontinental conditions to their advantage and pick up that elusive ICC trophy hopefully in 15 months' time.

Squads:

Bangladesh (T20Is): Nigar Sultana Joty (C, wk), Nahida Akter (VC), Dilara Akter, Shathi Rani, Shamima Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Disha Biswas, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun, Salma Khatun and Fahima Khatun.

Standbys: Fargana Hoque, Lata Mondol, Sharmin Akter Supta, Fariha Islam Trisna

India (T20Is): Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol, Devika Vaidya, Uma Chetry (wk), Amanjot Kaur, S Meghana, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Monica Patel, Rashi Kanojiya, Anusha Bareddy, Minnu Mani

India (ODIs): Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol, Devika Vaidya, Uma Chetry (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Priya Punia, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Monica Patel, Rashi Kanojiya, Anusha Bareddy, Sneh Rana