India unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Women 2025 World Cup on August 19, mixing experienced stalwarts with rising talents. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead in what could be her final World Cup, with Smriti Mandhana named vice-captain.
The batting core features Mandhana, Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh, and Yastika Bhatia. All-round options come from Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, and Harleen. The bowling attack blends pace Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Gaud with spin led by Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Deepti, and Rana.
The balance stands out. Mandhana piled up 747 ODI runs in 2024, Rawal has already scored 703 runs since her debut, and both Jemimah and Richa have become dependable anchors. Rana, back to her best, claimed 15 wickets in the Sri Lanka tri-series, earning Player of the Series.
India enters the tournament as a genuine contender. A semifinal spot is the minimum expectation, while a run to the final is well within reach. The squad carries momentum from consistent bilateral wins, and both leaders radiate quiet confidence. India’s quest remains unfinished. After falling short in the 2005 and 2017 finals, this home campaign presents the best chance yet to secure a maiden world title.
Where India Stands
India is ranked third in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings with 124 points, behind Australia and England. The leap from fourth to third reflects a sharp upward trajectory. Since 2024, India has defeated South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and Ireland, and also won a tri-nation in Sri Lanka. The one stumbling block remains Australia. In 2025 alone, India has won 9 of 11 ODIs, underlining consistency.
Strengths of the Squad
- Batting Depth: With Mandhana, Rawal, Jemimah, Harmanpreet, and Richa, this is arguably India’s most solid batting lineup yet. Yastika and Harleen offer stability, while Deepti and Amanjot strengthen the lower middle order.
- Spin Options: Deepti, Radha, Sneh, and leg-spinner Charani form a world-class unit, perfectly suited for home conditions.
- All-round Flexibility: Deepti, Rana, Amanjot, and Harleen provide multiple balance options, allowing XI variations based on pitches.
- Blend of Youth and Experience: Harmanpreet, Mandhana, and Deepti bring big-match composure, while Rawal, Gaud, and Charani inject fresh energy.
Key Inclusions
- Pratika Rawal: 703 ODI runs since debut at age 23 made her impossible to ignore.
- Kranti Gaud: Just 22, her six-wicket haul in a Test against England underlined her raw pace talent.
- Sree Charani: A leg-spinner fast-tracked to add variety in Indian conditions.
- Amanjot Kaur: Rewarded for impactful all-round contributions in England and at home.
- Radha Yadav: Returning from injury, her left-arm spin and fielding remain key assets.
Selectors have clearly prioritized form and recent domestic success over seniority.
Notable Omissions
- Shafali Verma: The biggest surprise. Once India’s explosive opener, her average of 18 over the past year sealed her exclusion.
- Pooja Vastrakar & Kashvee Gautam: Both sidelined by injuries, weakening India’s pace stocks.
- Shikha Pandey & Taniya Bhatia: Longtime campaigners overtaken by younger options.
The omissions reflect a ruthless focus on form, fitness, and balance.
Projected Playing XI (Opener vs Sri Lanka)
- Smriti Mandhana
- Pratika Rawal
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Harleen Deol
- Amanjot Kaur
- Deepti Sharma
- Arundhati Reddy / Renuka Singh (fitness dependent)
- Kranti Gaud
- Radha Yadav
This XI offers batting depth, three seam options, and three quality spinners ideal for subcontinental conditions.
How India Stacks Up Globally
- Australia: Still the benchmark. With Healy, Perry, McGrath, and unmatched bench strength, they remain title favourites.
- England: Balanced and consistent, led by Knight, Sciver-Brunt, and Ecclestone.
India’s batting and spin arsenal are formidable, but Australia and England still possess greater depth and big-match pedigree. Yet India is closing fast, powered by the Women’s Premier League pipeline and fearless newcomers.
Challenges:
- Uncertainty over Renuka Singh’s fitness leaves the pace attack lacking a spearhead.
- Playing at home adds pressure; India has never won a World Cup.
- Without Shafali, the top order may lack explosive starts.
Opportunities:
- Home conditions strongly favour India’s spinners.
- All-round depth ensures balance in all situations.
- Youthful energy from Rawal, Gaud, and Charani could prove decisive.
India’s 2025 squad may be the most balanced ever assembled. With a stacked batting order, a spin attack built for home conditions, and a blend of seasoned campaigners and fearless youth, this side carries both depth and versatility. The semifinals should be a minimum expectation. A final is within reach, and if Harmanpreet’s leadership, Mandhana’s form, and the spinners’ dominance align, India could finally break its World Cup drought.
