Deepti Sharma Cleared for Selection Ahead of Third T20I Against Sri Lanka

Deepti Sharma Returns to Fitness

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], December 25: Deepti Sharma, India's off-spin bowling all-rounder, has been confirmed fit and ready for selection for the upcoming third T20I against Sri Lanka, as stated by head coach Amol Muzumdar on Thursday.

Deepti missed the second T20I in Visakhapatnam, which India won by seven wickets, due to a mild fever. The BCCI medical team had been closely monitoring her recovery process.

Amol Muzumdar reassured fans, saying, "Deepti is absolutely fine. She’s available and fit," during the pre-match press conference.

India currently leads the five-match T20I series 2-0, but pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has yet to play, with Muzumdar explaining that the team is experimenting with various combinations.

"For Renuka, we were looking at a different combination. We’re trying out a few things, and she’s an integral part of this team, as you’ve seen over the last two years. It’s just about testing different options within the group," Muzumdar elaborated.

Additionally, Jemimah Rodrigues, who performed well in the previous T20Is with scores of 69 and 26, missed the third T20I practice session as a precautionary measure.

Muzumdar mentioned that Jemimah had a minor issue but is recovering well and was given rest as a precaution. He emphasized that doctors and physiotherapists are closely monitoring her condition, expressing confidence in her recovery, and describing the rest as routine.

"Jemimah had a little bit of an issue, but I think she’s fine. She’s just resting today. The doctors and physios are keeping a close eye on her. She should be fine. It’s just a mandatory rest that she wants," he stated.

Regarding the playing XI for the third T20I, Muzumdar indicated that the team management would finalize the lineup on the morning of the match.

"We’ll decide the playing XI on the morning of the game," he concluded.