India captain injures left knee while batting in Brisbane; Smriti Mandhana steps in to lead during Australia’s chase at Allan Border Field

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained off the field during Australia’s run chase after sustaining a left knee injury while batting in the first ODI against Australia at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field on Tuesday. The injury concern comes as a setback for India in the opening match of the crucial ODI series.

According to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Harmanpreet “sustained an injury to her left knee while batting,” and the medical team is closely monitoring her progress. With the regular captain unavailable for the fielding innings, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana took charge of the side.

It was not immediately clear when the injury occurred, but Harmanpreet was seen receiving on-field treatment at the end of the 38th over of India’s innings. At that stage, she was batting on 40 off 67 balls. Despite discomfort, she carried on and was eventually dismissed in the 44th over after scoring a fighting 53 off 84 deliveries. Her knock included three boundaries and played a key role in stabilising the innings.

Harmanpreet shared a crucial 53-run partnership with Kashvee Gautam, who contributed a brisk 43 off 44 balls and was the last batter to be dismissed. The duo helped India recover after a dramatic middle-order collapse that left them struggling at 140 for 6 in the 34th over. Earlier, Mandhana had anchored the top order with a composed 58 off 68 balls.

India were eventually bowled out for 214, a total that appeared below par on a competitive surface. Australia’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with Megan Schutt—who was not part of the original ODI squad—making an immediate impact. She returned figures of 2 for 42 from her nine overs, helping restrict India to a modest score.

Australia entered the ODI series after losing the preceding T20I series 2-1 and are currently dealing with injury concerns of their own. Key all-rounder Ellyse Perry and pacer Kim Garth have both been ruled out of the ODI leg due to quad injuries sustained in the final T20I. They are now racing against time to regain fitness ahead of the one-off Test match scheduled after the ODI series.

Harmanpreet’s fitness will be closely watched in the coming days, as India look to bounce back in the series. Any prolonged absence of the captain could significantly impact India’s campaign, especially against a strong Australian side on home soil.