In a much-anticipated reveal on August 19, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member Indian Women’s squad set to participate in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, 2025
Leadership at the Forefront
For the first time, Harmanpreet Kaur will skipper India in the ODI World Cup, marking a pivotal moment in her leadership journey. Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as vice-captain, bringing her form and experience to the forefront
Squad Composition: Veterans and New Blood
This squad reflects a thoughtful blend of seasoned stalwarts and emerging talents:
- Confirmed for the World Cup squad:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk)
- Standby players include: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry (wk), Minnu Mani, and Sayali Satghare
Decisions That Sparked Debate
A headline-grabber was the exclusion of prodigious opener Shafali Verma, dropped from the marquee squad due to a dip in form—this move stirred reactions across cricketing discussions
Strategic Insights Behind the Selection
- Batting Depth: The top-order looks well-rounded with Mandhana, Rawal, and Deol, supplemented by power-hitters such as Harmanpreet and Jemimah. This provides flexibility and stability.
- All-Round Pull: Deepti Sharma’s dual role—batting and off-spin—makes her invaluable, especially in subcontinental conditions. Spinners Radha Yadav and Sree Charani bring equilibrium to the middle overs.
- Pace & Variety: The inclusion of Renuka Singh (pace), Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Gaud gives the bowlers more depth and pace options.
- Wicketkeeping Duo: Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia are poised to offer consistent glovework and batting support.
- Format Preparation: The squad doubles as the roster for a preceding three-match ODI series against Australia—highlighting a strategy aimed at seamless World Cup calibration
Road to the Global Stage & What Lies Ahead
India kicks off its World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru on September 30. A marquee face-off with Pakistan in Colombo is scheduled for October 5, followed by decisive matches against South Africa and Australia
Through this amalgamation of experience and youthful energy, India sends a confident, calculated message: they’re here not just to compete but to chase their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title.
