As the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 unfolds in India and Sri Lanka, former India captain Anjum Chopra has offered her insights on the host nation's prospects, particularly emphasizing the challenge posed by South Africa. Chopra, a keen observer of the game, believes that India cannot afford to take the South African team lightly and has underscored the importance of India's spin attack being on point.
India will take on South Africa on October 9 in Vizag. According to Chopra, stronger teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia will come very hard at India.
South Africa: A Force to be Reckoned With
South Africa's women's cricket team, led by Laura Wolvaardt, is considered a strong and balanced side, boasting a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. They have a formidable batting lineup, a wealth of all-rounders, and a versatile bowling attack. The Proteas have reached the semi-finals in the last two editions of the World Cup, showing their consistency on the global stage.
Key players such as Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus and Tazmin Brits bring valuable experience, while dynamic young talents add excitement. Kapp is known for her match-winning performances and her ability to impact games with both bat and ball. Wolvaardt is a consistent performer at the top of the order, while Brits comes into the tournament in excellent form, having scored four centuries in 2025.
Spinners Key for India
Chopra emphasized the importance of India's spinners performing well, considering the conditions in India. The subcontinental conditions in India and Sri Lanka will test every facet of the game, including spin dominance. India's success will depend on how well their spinners can exploit these conditions and put pressure on the opposition.
Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana are two experienced bowlers that Anjum Chopra expects to come good. Both have been wicket-takers and economical.
India's Strengths and Weaknesses
India qualified for the World Cup automatically as hosts. They have a strong core of match-winners, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh. Smriti Mandhana, the top-ranked ODI batter, is a cornerstone of the team, while Kranti Gaud represents an exciting new pace option.
However, Chopra has warned India against complacency following their win against Pakistan. She noted that unresolved issues in the batting department could be costly against stronger teams. India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, also highlighted the importance of addressing inconsistencies.
According to Chopra, Pakistan barely gave any contest and Sri Lanka did not give any contest to India's bowlers. She thinks that India's margin for error will shrink against stronger teams. Chopra has urged the team to address key shortcomings before facing tougher competition.
India's campaign has exposed vulnerabilities in the top and middle order, especially with Mandhana's twin failures and the team's struggle against spin. The batters need to be more consistent.
Other Considerations
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 features eight teams battling for glory. The tournament is being played in a round-robin format, with each team playing seven matches. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on October 29 and 30. The final is scheduled for November 2.
Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka qualified as the top five teams in the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25. Bangladesh and Pakistan entered the tournament by finishing first and second in the World Cup qualifiers.
