The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will begin on September 30. India and Sri Lanka will host the tournament. With less than 45 days left, all eyes are on India’s squad announcement, which is likely to be done on August 19. The Women in Blue will aim to win their maiden World Cup title this time.
The 50-over format has been India’s most successful venture in recent times. Since the start of 2025, they have played 11 ODIs and won nine of them. At home, the numbers look even stronger. In the last one year, India have won eight out of nine ODIs. With the World Cup also being played in India, the team will enter as one of the top favourites.
India’s form has been encouraging. They recently defeated England 2-1 in a three-match ODI series. Before that, they lifted a tri-nation ODI series in Sri Lanka, where South Africa was the third team.
Leadership
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team. Smriti Mandhana will be her deputy. Harmanpreet’s fitness has been questioned in the last one year due to frequent injuries. Still, her role as a middle-order batter and leader will be crucial. Mandhana will open the batting as usual and provide stability at the top.
Opening Options
Mandhana’s partner is expected to be Pratika Rawal. She has made a strong start to her career, scoring 703 runs in 14 innings at an average of 54.07. Her record includes five fifties and one century. Coach Amol Muzumdar has also spoken about a possible return for Shafali Verma in the ODI side. But her recent form has not been convincing.
She had only one fifty in the T20I series in England and also failed to perform well for India A in Australia. This puts her place in doubt. Yastika Bhatia has been impressive and looks more secure. She scored two match-winning fifties in the Australia A series and followed it up with a solid knock of 42. She can also serve as the backup wicketkeeper.
Middle Order Strength
At number three, the management has shown faith in Harleen Deol. She has given some steady performances and looks likely to retain her spot. Jemimah Rodrigues will be a key player at number five and her role will be very important. Richa Ghosh will be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper and will have a role to play with both bat and gloves. Yastika is the backup wicketkeeper.
Spin Department
India’s spin attack looks strong and well-balanced. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana bring experience with their off-spin. Youngster N Shree Charani has impressed with nine wickets in eight ODIs at an economy of 5.56. Radha Yadav adds further depth with her left-arm spin. However, India do not have a leg-spinner due to injuries to Asha Sobhana and Priya Mishra. Prema Rawat could be a surprise pick. She did well in the Australia A series, taking seven wickets in three T20s and also played a brilliant knock of 32 not out in a chase. Her inclusion can give the much-needed variety.
All-Rounder Concerns
One of the biggest worries for India is the fitness of Amanjot Kaur. She was outstanding in the England series with both bat and ball. But a back injury has raised concerns. If she misses the World Cup, India will lose the much-needed balance that she provides in the lower order.
Pace Attack
The pace unit has several fitness concerns. Renuka Singh Thakur is still in rehab and has not played any competitive cricket since the WPL. Arundhati Reddy brings valuable experience, while Kranti Gaud has shown her ability with a match-winning six-wicket haul in England. Sayali Satghare is another option who could make the cut.
Possible India squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur/Sayali Satghare, Amanjot Kaur/Prema Rawat
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