new delhi, Aug 20
Eight years after their heartbreak in the 2017 final at Lord’s, the Indian women’s cricket team now has a golden opportunity to lift their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, and to do it on home soil.
With momentum and home advantage, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on September 30 after a preparatory home ODI series against Australia. Here are key takeaways from the squad that carries the weight of expectations to deliver a first-ever world title. India will be led by Harmanpreet, who takes charge in her first 50-over World Cup as captain. The experienced batter brings both energy and big-match temperament, having guided India through several crucial campaigns in the past, including her scintillating unbeaten 171 against Australia in the semi-finals of the 2017 edition.
Supporting her will be vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, India’s most consistent run-scorer in recent years. With over 250 ODIs between them, the two leaders will form the backbone of India’s title ambitions.
Experience meets youth: The 15-member squad features a carefully crafted mix of seasoned performers and exciting newcomers. Alongside stalwarts like Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, India have injected fresh energy with the inclusion of Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani.
This combination not only strengthens India’s chances in 2025 but also lays the foundation for the years ahead.
Rawal, who debuted in December 2024, has already amassed 703 runs in 14 innings at an average of 54.07. Gaud announced herself in the England ODI series with a match-winning six-wicket haul, while left-arm spinner Charani has impressed since her April debut with nine wickets in eight matches.
Notable omissions
The biggest talking point is the absence of young opener Shafali Verma. Known for her explosive starts, the 21-year-old was overlooked due to inconsistent ODI returns.
Despite ending the recently-concluded T20I series against England as the second highest run getter with a tally of 176 runs from five matches, the 21-year-old was overlooked for the 50-over-leg with India opting for Rawal and Mandhana as openers. Wicket-keeping strength & spin arsenal
India have chosen two wicket-keepers in Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia, offering flexibility in both batting order and team composition.
On spin-friendly Indian surfaces, the squad looks well stocked with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav and Sree Charani providing depth and variety.
Their presence is expected to be a key factor in home conditions.
New comer Charani, who made her debut in April this year in the Sri Lanka tri-series, has also been impressive with the ball, returning nine wickets from eight matches with her left-arm spin.
Form & tactical balance
Several youngsters forced their way into the squad on the back of strong domestic and Women’s Premier League (WPL) performances, with Prantika Rawal and Kranti Gaud in particular standing out.
Among the seniors, Mandhana continues to lead from the front, recently becoming the fastest Indian woman to 4,000 ODI runs. Harmanpreet too enters the tournament in form, fresh from a hundred against England.
India’s top order of Mandhana, Rawal and Harleen Deol looks solid, while the middle-order firepower of Rodrigues, Kaur, Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur provides balance and depth.
The return of Renuka Singh Thakur after recovering from a stress fracture that left her out of action since December 2024, bolsters the pace attack that also comprises the likes of young Kranti Gaud and Arundhati Reddy, along with all-rounder Amanjot Kaur.
Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud
