Key takeaways from India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 squad

Hosts India have announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be staged from September 30 to November 2 on home soil.

Here are a few key takeaways from the 15-member unit.

Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud

Leadership at the fore

India will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, who takes charge in her first 50-over World Cup as captain.

The experienced batter brings both energy and big-match temperament, having guided India through several crucial campaigns in the past, including her scintillating unbeaten 171 against Australia in the semi-finals of the 2017 edition.

Smriti Mandhana, appointed vice-captain, adds a steadying influence with her batting consistency, ensuring India’s think-tank is in strong hands.

With a combined experience of playing in over 250 ODIs, the duo will be aiming to go all guns blazing to try and lift the coveted trophy at home.

A blend of experience and youth

The 15-member squad strikes a careful balance between seasoned campaigners and exciting fresh talent.

Stalwarts such as Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma provide stability, while youngsters like Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani signal India’s investment in the next generation.

This combination not only strengthens India’s chances in 2025 but also lays the foundation for the years ahead.

Rawal, who made her debut in December 2024, boasts a stunning 703 runs from just 14 innings at a stunning 54.07 average at the top.

Gaud, meanwhile, shone in the England ODI series, grabbing a crucial six-for in the final ODI as India went on to claim the series honours.

Notable omissions

The biggest talking point is the absence of Shafali Verma, whose aggressive batting at the top has often provided India with flying starts.

Despite her flair, inconsistent returns meant she was overlooked for the World Cup squad, sparking plenty of discussion.

The 21-year-old was part of the T20I leg of the recently-concluded series against England, where she returned 176 runs from five innings, and ended as the second highest run getter of the five-match tour.

Despite her good form, she was dropped for the 50-over-leg with India opting for Rawal and Mandhana as openers.

Wicket-keeping and spin depth

India have opted for dual wicket-keeping options in Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia, giving the side flexibility in selection and batting order.

On spin-friendly home surfaces, the team boasts a rich variety with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav and newcomer Sree Charani all included.

Their presence ensures India will be well-equipped to exploit conditions in the subcontinent, which favours turn on the surface.

New comer Shree Charani, who made her debut in April this year in the Sri Lanka tri-series, has also been impressive with the ball, returning nine wickets from eight matches with her left-arm spin.

Tactical balance and form

Several new faces in the squad have impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League, making strong cases for selection.

Pratika Rawal and Kranti Gaud, in particular, bring energy and momentum after standout performances in recent months.

At the same time, the form of senior players like Mandhana - now the fastest Indian woman to 4,000 ODI runs - gives India a reliable core to build around.

On the other hand, skipper Harmanpreet, who smashed a brilliant hundred in the final ODI against England also heads into the marquee ICC event on the back of good returns over the last few months.

The top order featuring Mandhana, Rawal and Deol appears solid, while the middle-order firepower of Rodrigues, Kaur, Ghosh and Amanjot has the firepower to provide India with the spark it needs.

The 2025 Women’s World Cup, scheduled from September 30 to November 2 with India opening against Sri Lanka after an ODI series at home against Australia.

Eight years after their heartbreaking near-miss in the 2017 final at Lord’s, India now have the chance to script history at home.