India, under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy, will be one of the favourites to lift the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, starting from September 30, 2025. In subcontinent conditions, they are expected to produce some big results. But ahead of that mega event, here is the SWOT analysis of the team.
Strength
Opening Partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal
The opening partnership between vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal is going to be the backbone of India’s success. Whether it is setting up a big total or chasing down a tricky target, the team will rely heavily on this pair to provide solid starts — something they have consistently delivered since January 2024.
In just 14 innings together, Mandhana and Rawal have scored 1,086 runs at an outstanding average of 77.57. Their partnership includes six fifty stands and four century partnerships, making them the only duo to cross the 1,000-run mark during this period.
Their numbers in home conditions are even more impressive. In six innings in India, they’ve added 701 runs together at a staggering average of 116.83. This includes one fifty partnership and as many as four century stands.
Pratika’s arrival has also brought a visible change in Mandhana’s batting approach. Mandhana has shown greater attacking intent this year. For the first time in her ODI career, she has struck at over 100 in a calendar year. In 11 innings in 2025 so far, she has scored 628 runs at an average of 57.09, including two centuries and two fifties, with a strike-rate of 107.53.
Strong Spin Unit
In sub-continent conditions, spinners are always expected to play a decisive role, and for the upcoming World Cup, India have a strong spin attack. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, the spin department looks capable of turning games in India’s favour.
The group includes senior pros like Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, alongside Radha Yadav and rising youngster N Sree Charani. Charani’s rise has been one of the biggest positives for India this year. In just eight ODIs so far, she has already picked up nine wickets, maintaining a steady economy rate of 5.56.
Among the more experienced names, Rana has been India’s standout performer with the ball in 2025. She has taken 18 wickets in just eight innings at an excellent economy of 4.60, including one four-wicket haul and a five-for. Deepti, in second position, has 13 wickets in 11 innings at an economy of 4.55 this year. Hence, their ability to pick wickets in the middle overs could set the tone for the team.
Weakness
Lack of variety in the bowling unit
One major concern that stands out for India is the lack of variety in both the fast bowling and spin departments. The attack looks effective but somewhat predictable.
In the pace unit, the Women in Blue will miss the element of raw speed that can rattle batters. With Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud, India have new-ball specialists who can swing it both ways and cause early damage.
Arundhati Reddy brings her clever, slower balls into play, making her a handy option in the middle overs. However, none of them can consistently bowl at high pace, which might make this attack easier for strong batting line-ups to counter in conditions where swing is limited. Also, it will be challenging in the death overs.
The spin department, too, has a similar issue. Deepti and Rana are both right-arm off-spinners, while Charani and Radha bowl left-arm orthodox. The absence of a frontline leg-spinner could limit the team’s attacking ability.
Interestingly, India do have two leg-spinners in the reserves — Priya Mishra and Prema Rawat. The inclusion of at least one of them in the main squad could have provided skipper Harmanpreet Kaur with more flexibility and tactical options.
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Opportunity
Players like Harleen Deol, Charani, and Amanjot Kaur have a great opportunity to shine on the biggest stage in the World Cup. Team India’s management has backed Harleen a lot and shown faith by playing her in the crucial No. 3 spot.
With Yastika Bhatia ruled out of the competition due to a knee injury, it is now almost certain that Harleen will be the No. 3 batter. She has produced some good performances in recent times. So far, she has scored 584 runs in 16 innings, averaging 38.93, including one fifty and one century. She will now look to play longer innings more frequently, and for that, she needs to convert her 20s and 30s into 70s, 80s, or even a century.
Charani is expected to shine with her spin, while Amanjot, the all-rounder, brings the much-needed balance to the squad, which could be crucial in critical situations during the World Cup. And with this being a home World Cup, it is a huge opportunity for Harmanpreet’s team to go all the way and lift their maiden World Cup trophy.
Threat
The major threat for this team in the upcoming World Cup will be fitness. For the last one and a half years, skipper Harmanpreet has faced fitness issues on several occasions, including neck and knee issues. Hence, her workload management will be key.
Players like Amanjot (back injury) and Renuka (stress fracture) are making comebacks after injury lay-offs. Renuka has not played any competitive cricket since the WPL, and her fitness will be truly tested in the upcoming three-match home ODI series against Australia. Amanjot has also been added for that series, and how she performs if given an opportunity in the playing XI at the World Cup remains to be seen.
Predicted Playing XI for WC
Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud.
Also Read: “India have the squad to win the World Cup” – WV Raman backs women’s team