With the ICC Women’s World Cup fast approaching, India’s women’s cricket team faces its sternest test yet a three-match ODI series against Australia at home from September 14 to 20, 2025. The India Women vs Australia promises to be a good preparation.
More than a bilateral contest, this series is a rehearsal for the biggest stage, a chance to fine-tune strategies, test new players, and measure progress against the world’s most dominant side. The squad announcement on August 19 sent ripples through the cricketing community. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana lead a familiar core, but the absence of Shafali Verma stood out. Her explosive batting has been inconsistent in recent months, forcing selectors into the difficult decision to leave her out.
Stepping into that void is Pratika Rawal, a consistent performer in domestic cricket who now gets the chance to prove herself at the international level. Also returning to the setup is Renuka Singh Thakur, whose ability to swing the ball early will be vital against Australia’s formidable top order. The most eye-catching name, however, is Kranti Goud. Just 21 years old, the pacer from Madhya Pradesh makes her debut after impressing in the domestic circuit. Inspired by Jhulan Goswami, Goud’s pace and energy could add a new weapon to India’s bowling arsenal.
Core Experience Remains Crucial
While new faces add intrigue, the backbone of the team remains intact. Smriti Mandhana provides stability at the top, Harmanpreet brings aggression and leadership in the middle, and all-rounders like Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues ensure balance. The finishing touch comes from Richa Ghosh, who has grown into India’s dependable finisher with her fearless hitting. On spin-friendly pitches at home, Radha Yadav and Sneh Rana will have key roles to play in squeezing Australia’s batters during the middle overs.
This blend of established performers and new energy is designed to handle both the grind of a long tournament and the intensity of World Cup-level cricket.
Few teams in world cricket present a sterner challenge than Australia. With seven World Cup titles and unmatched consistency, they are the gold standard in women’s cricket. For India, facing them now is both a reality check and a priceless opportunity. Winning the series would be a massive confidence boost before the World Cup. Even if the results don’t go their way, India will gather insights into areas that need tightening before the tournament begins.
Why This Series Holds Weight
- Experimentation Zone: Coaches and selectors can test batting orders, bowling options, and field strategies.
- Spotlight on Debutants: Pratika Rawal and Kranti Goud will be watched closely—Rawal against pace, Goud against Australia’s seasoned batters.
- Momentum Builder: A strong showing could set the tone for India’s World Cup run.
- Pressure Simulation: Matches against Australia replicate the intensity of high-stakes tournament cricket.
Earlier this month, the India A team toured Australia, playing unofficial ODIs, T20s, and a Test. While Australia A dominated in patches, the series gave valuable exposure to rising Indian players. The senior team will now benefit from those learnings, particularly in understanding Australian conditions and tactics. The inclusion of Rawal and Goud shows that selectors are determined to fast-track promising talent into high-pressure environments, preparing them not just for now, but for the future.
The rise of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm around women’s cricket in India. Fans are eager to watch domestic stars like Rawal and Goud step into the international spotlight, while the expectations from veterans like Harmanpreet and Mandhana remain sky-high. The atmosphere at home is expected to be electric, with fans treating the series as a preview of the World Cup itself. Every performance will be scrutinized, every run cheered.
India has often reached the cusp of glory falling short in the 2017 World Cup final at Lord’s and the 2020 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne. This time, the goal is clear: convert potential into silverware. The series against Australia is about ironing out the final wrinkles, building trust in combinations, and ensuring India enters the World Cup as genuine contenders.
From September 14, when the first ball is bowled, the countdown to the World Cup effectively begins. For India, this series isn’t just about results it’s about belief, preparation, and readiness to take on the best in the world. Australia may arrive as favourites, but India has an opportunity to prove that they can go toe-to-toe with the champions. With bold selections, fresh energy, and experienced match-winners, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team has the chance to send a strong message: this time, India is ready to chase glory.
