The Indian women's cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side and Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. The squad announcement, made on August 19, 2025, has generated considerable discussion, particularly surrounding the inclusion of Renuka Singh and the exclusion of Shafali Verma.
Renuka Singh's return to the squad is a significant boost for India. The pace bowler has recovered from a stress fracture that had sidelined her since December 2024. Her inclusion provides much-needed firepower to India's pace attack. Singh's record of 32 wickets in 17 ODIs underscores her importance to the team.
The exclusion of Shafali Verma has raised eyebrows. The explosive opener has been overlooked, extending her absence from the ODI setup. Verma's aggressive batting style and ability to provide quick starts seem to be missing elements in India's top-order. Since the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, Verma has managed just 277 runs in 14 innings. Selectors have instead opted for the in-form Pratika Rawal to open alongside Smriti Mandhana.
Amanjot Kaur has also secured a spot in the World Cup squad. Despite missing the last two ODIs against England due to a back injury, Kaur's emergence as a crucial all-rounder has earned her selection. She will, however, skip the preparatory series against Australia starting September 14 in New Chandigarh to work on minor fitness issues.
The three-match ODI series against Australia will serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup. This series allows the team to fine-tune their strategies and combinations before the main event.
Several other players who were part of the recent series against England have been left out, including Tejal Hasnabis, Shuchi Upadhyay, and Sayali Satghare. Satghare will play in the Australia ODIs before making way for Amanjot Kaur in the World Cup squad.
The squad showcases a blend of youth and experience. Key players such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana bring a wealth of experience. The inclusion of Kranti Goud and Shree Charani adds fresh energy to the setup.
India will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on September 30 in Bengaluru. Other notable fixtures include a match against Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo, South Africa on October 9 in Vizag, Australia on October 12 in Vizag, England on October 19 in Indore, New Zealand on October 23 in Guwahati and Bangladesh on October 26 in Bengaluru.
The selected squad reflects a strategy of backing proven performers while providing opportunities for emerging talent. Only time will tell if the decision to exclude Shafali Verma will prove costly, but the team possesses the firepower to make a strong statement in the World Cup.
India's Squad for the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025:
Stand-bys: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawal, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare.
