As India gears up to co-host the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, the spotlight shines on rising stars: Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud.
These young guns, with their fearless approach and match-winning performances, could be the key to ending India’s quest for a maiden 50-over World Cup title. With home advantage and a passionate fanbase, Rawal, Ghosh and Gaud are ready to light up the tournament. Let’s explore their journeys, stats, and why their contributions might make the trophy lift inevitable.
Pratika Rawal: The Consistent Opener Background and Rise
At just 24, Pratika Rawal has emerged as India’s most reliable opening batter. Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, Rawal’s journey began at age 10, inspired by her father, a BCCI-certified umpire. A multi-sport athlete who won a basketball gold at the 2019 School National Games, she chose cricket over hoops and hasn’t looked back. After dominating domestic circuits for Delhi and Railways, Rawal earned her ODI debut against West Indies in December 2024, stepping in for Shafali Verma and proving her mettle with unwavering consistency.
Stats That Speak Volumes : Rawal’s 2025 ODI stats are staggering. In 14 matches, she has scored 703 runs at an average of 54.07 and a strike rate of 87.43, including one century (154 vs. Ireland) and five fifties. Her boundary-hitting prowess—80 fours and 6 sixes—shows her ability to blend elegance with aggression. In the 2025 England series, she scored 65 runs across three ODIs, stabilizing the top order. Her part-time off-spin adds versatility, with 4 wickets at an economy of 5.78, including a best of 2/37 against West Indies.
In domestic cricket, she smashed 411 runs at 68.50 in the 2023-24 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, with two centuries, proving her big-stage pedigree.
Why She’s a Game-Changer : Rawal’s clear-headed strokeplay and ability to anchor innings make her indispensable. Her 233-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana against Ireland ranks as the seventh-highest first-wicket partnership in women’s ODIs. Her knack for big scores under pressure, like her 154 off 129 balls against Ireland, positions her as a cornerstone of India’s batting. On home pitches, where patience and technique are key, Rawal’s old-school approach could dismantle opposition bowlers.
Her four catches in 14 ODIs also highlight her reliability in the field.
Richa Ghosh: The Explosive Finisher
Background and Emergence
Richa Ghosh, the 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Siliguri, is India’s power-hitting dynamo. Debuting at 16 in 2020, Ghosh has grown into a middle-order force, known for her audacious strokeplay and sharp glovework. Her journey from a small-town prodigy to a World Cup hopeful reflects her grit, with domestic performances for Bengal paving her way to the national side.
Key Stats : In 2025, Ghosh has played 12 ODIs, scoring 412 runs at an average of 37.45 and a strike rate of 92.17. Her 96 off 78 balls against South Africa in 2024, with 10 fours and 3 sixes, showcased hermatch-finishing ability. In the 2025 England series, she contributed 48 runs in a crucial chase. Behind the stumps, Ghosh has 8 catches and 3 stumpings in 12 ODIs, with her agility saving runs. In the 2024-25 domestic season, she scored 305 runs at a strike rate above 100, reinforcing her big-hitting credentials.
Why She’s will be Difference-Maker : The much needed finisher, Richa Ghosh will be India’s trump card for the 2025 World Cup, Ghosh’s ability to clear ropes—her six-hitting ranks among India’s best makes her a nightmare for bowlers in the death overs. Her 96 against South Africa turned a tricky chase into a romp. Her wicketkeeping, especially against spinners, will be vital on turning tracks.
Kranti Gaud: The Powerhouse
Background and Breakthrough : Kranti Gaud, a 21-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, is India’s X-factor. Known for her raw pace and lower-order hitting, Gaud burst onto the scene with a jaw-dropping 6-52 in the ODI series decider against England in July 2025, earning her a World Cup spot. A product of Mumbai’s domestic system, her aggressive style and never-say-die attitude have drawn comparisons to Jhulan Goswami. Gaud’s ability to swing the ball and contribute with the bat makes her a vital cog in India’s plans.
Stats That Define Her Impact : While specific 2025 ODI stats for Gaud are less comprehensive due to her newer international status, her standout performance against England 6 wickets for 52 runs in her fourth ODI underscored her potential. In domestic cricket, she has been a consistent wicket-taker, with 15 wickets in the 2024-25 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy at an average below 20. Her batting contributions, though limited, include a quickfire 28 off 19 balls in a domestic T20 game, showing her ability to change gears.
Gaud’s fielding is electric, with two direct-hit run-outs in recent domestic matches, making her a three-dimensional threat.
Why She’s a Match-Winner : Gaud’s raw pace and swing can exploit early conditions on Indian pitches, where seam movement is common. Her 6-52 haul, dismantling England’s middle order, proves she can handle top teams. Her lower-order cameos add depth, crucial for posting or chasing big totals. In the field, her athleticism and sharp throws could save crucial runs or create breakthroughs, as seen in her England series run-out. Gaud’s fearlessness makes her a clutch performer, perfect for high-stakes World Cup moments.
How They Can Win the Cup for India
Rawal’s Robustness : As India’s opening batter, Rawal must provide solid starts alongside Mandhana. Her ability to bat long, as shown by her 154 against Ireland, will set platforms for power-hitters like Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh. Her part-time bowling can break partnerships, especially on spin-friendly tracks. Rawal’s calm temperament, honed through her psychology studies, will help her navigate pressure situations, like semi-finals or finals. Ghosh’s Firepower.
Ghosh’s middle-order aggression can accelerate scoring or chase down big totals. Her strike rate ensures quick runs, while her glovework will capitalize on India’s spin-heavy attack. Her batting and glove work energy complements the Team, creating a dynamic unit.
Gaud’s pace bowling will be critical against strong batting line-ups like Australia’s. Her ability to strike early, as seen against England, can put opponents on the back foot. Her lower-order hitting can turn games, especially in chases, while her fielding adds intensity. With Renuka Singh Thakur and Arundhati Reddy, Gaud forms a potent pace trio, giving India flexibility on varied pitches. Together, Rawal, Ghosh and Gaud complement India’s experienced core. Rawal’s consistency at the top allows Richa to play freely in middle order, while Gaud’s breakthroughs ensure bowling depth. Their youth brings energy, crucial for a long tournament.
On home soil, where crowds will roar for every run and wicket, their fearless approach could tip the scales against giants like Australia, who lead India 25-8 in T20Is and dominate ODIs similarly.
India faces stiff competition from Australia, England, New Zealand and a resurgent Sri Lanka, who beat them in the 2024 Asia Cup final. Rawal must maintain her form against quality attacks, while Gaud needs to prove her consistency on the global stage. The Visakhapatnam camp, starting August 25, 2025, will be pivotal for fine-tuning their skills.
Posts on X reflect growing fan belief in Rawal and Gaud, with @BCCIWomen highlighting their inclusion in the World Cup squad as a sign of India’s bold strategy. Rawal’s record-breaking 444 runs in her first six ODI innings and Gaud’s match-defining 6-52 have sparked optimism. With Harmanpreet’s leadership and home support, their hunger and skill could make the difference.
If Rawal sets the tone ,Richa and Gaud delivers knockout blows, the Women in Blue might just lift the trophy on November 2, 2025, ending decades of near-misses.
