A 15-member squad for India has been announced as the mission to clinch their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title is now set. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy, the team will look to win the prestigious tournament for the first time, that too in front of their home crowds. The World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka, starting from September 30.
Team India’s squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), 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, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK) and Sneh Rana.
Looking at the squad, it seems the Neetu David-led selection committee has done a fantastic job. With the players available, they picked based on performances and built a fine mix of youth and experience.
No big changes to the winning group
The best part is that they avoided big changes. Apart from one or two adjustments, this group has played well together in recent times. First, they won the tri-nation ODI series in Sri Lanka. Then, they defeated England 2-1 in a three-match ODI series. This was one of the main reasons why Shafali Verma was not included. Neetu David, the chairperson of the selection panel, made this clear in the press conference.
She said: “The team is playing well. We thought there was no point changing it much. That’s why Shafali is not there. But she remains in our scheme of things.”
Her exclusion is not a big surprise. Shafali has not performed well in ODIs, averaging only 23.00 in 29 innings with four fifties. Her last ODI was in October 2024. Since then, she has been overlooked because her replacement, Pratika Rawal, has been outstanding. In 14 ODIs, Pratika has scored 703 runs at an average of 54.07, with five fifties and one century.
Recently, in the India A Women’s tour of Australia A Women, both Shafali and Yastika Bhatia played. Shafali scored only 92 runs in three innings, while Yastika made 167 runs with two match-winning fifties and a 42-run knock in the middle order. Based on current form, Yastika has rightly been picked as the backup opener.
Strong opening pair
Pratika’s opening partner will be vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. This pair have been India’s best in the last year. Together, they have scored 1086 runs in 14 innings, averaging 77.57. The next best in world cricket is 583 runs by West Indies’ Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph. In India, after six innings, the average for the Pratika-Smriti pair goes over 116. They will be crucial for India’s success.
Middle-order experience
At No. 3, Harleen Deol has done well. The management has shown trust in her, and she has delivered. In the last year, she has scored the most runs in the world at that position – 584. Behind the top three, the middle order has big names. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues add experience, while wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh provides firepower to finish innings. But the skipper’s fitness is a concern. She has suffered several injuries in the past year, and managing her workload will be vital.
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Amanjot returns as key all-rounder
The return of pace-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur is a big boost. She balances the side, especially in the absence of Pooja Vastrakar due to injury. Amanjot also had injury concerns, but her selection shows she is fit. However, India do not have a like-for-like backup for her, as Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav are spin-bowling all-rounders.
Spin remains India’s biggest strength
Spin remains India’s strongest suit in home conditions. Deepti, Sneh, Radha, and youngster N Shree Charani form a solid unit. Charani has impressed in her short career, and with the experience of the other three, India’s spin attack looks dangerous. The only missing piece is a leg-spinner, but injuries to Asha Sobhana and Priya Mishra ruled them out.
Renuka’s return
In the pace attack, India have Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Kranti Gaud. Kranti’s rise has been remarkable. From the WPL to making her ODI debut in the tri-nation final and then taking a match-winning six-wicket haul in England, she has earned her place. Renuka and Arundhati bring experience, though Renuka’s fitness will be closely watched. Since the WPL, she has not played competitive cricket. The upcoming three-match home ODI series against Australia will be key for her return.
Is this the “perfect team”?
Overall, this is a squad chosen on experience, form, and performance. Skipper Harmanpreet sounded confident, saying: “This is our best team.” Whether it proves true will depend on the results. Expectations are high, and in home conditions, the Women in Blue will start as favourites. Only performances on the field can help them earn the “perfect team” tag by lifting the World Cup for the first time.
Also Read: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Firepower in potential India side