India have announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, set to begin on September 30 on home soil. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side for the first time in this tournament, with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana providing leadership support. The announcement has added excitement as India get ready to start their campaign against Sri Lanka on the opening day.
The selectors have opted for a balanced combination, blending seasoned performers with exciting newcomers. Alongside regular names like Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Renuka Singh Thakur, the squad features breakthrough talents Pratika Rawal and Kranti Gaud, both of whom have made waves in international cricket over the past year.
India’s World Cup Squad
Main 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.
Reserves: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare.
India’s top order looks strong with Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol, while the middle order will rely on Jemimah Rodrigues’ consistency and the big-hitting of Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur. Behind the stumps, Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia add depth. In bowling, Deepti Sharma leads the spin attack with Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, and Sree Charani, while the pace unit gets a major boost with Renuka Singh Thakur returning from injury to join Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Gaud.
Warm-up Against Australia
Ahead of the World Cup, India will take on Australia in a home ODI series. The squad for that contest is nearly identical to the World Cup line-up, with Sayali Satghare included for the Australia games, while Amanjot Kaur replaces her in the World Cup roster. This small adjustment reflects the team management’s faith in Amanjot’s readiness for her maiden World Cup campaign.
Major Picks and Misses
Shafali Verma, who was a part of the T20I squad against England, has not found a place in the ODI setup. Meanwhile, Yastika Bhatia’s strong showing for India A against Australia A—with three back-to-back impactful knocks—earned her a deserved call-up. Pratika Rawal’s rapid rise has been remarkable, scoring 703 runs in just 14 ODIs since her debut last December. Kranti Gaud, on the other hand, underlined her credentials with a match-winning six-wicket haul during the England tour. Both are now set for their first taste of World Cup cricket.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Big Test
For Harmanpreet Kaur, this edition will mark her fifth ODI World Cup, but it carries special significance as her first as captain. Known for her fearless batting and fighting spirit, Kaur will shoulder the responsibility of inspiring a team that combines experience with fresh enthusiasm.
Conclusion
The squad announcement is about more than just names on paper—it highlights how far women’s cricket has come in India. Hosting the World Cup offers a chance to showcase the country’s growing talent pool and inspire the next generation of cricketers. With packed stadiums expected and increasing media spotlight, the tournament will further cement women’s cricket at the heart of India’s sporting culture. The 2025 squad strikes a fine balance between experienced leaders and fearless newcomers, with Harmanpreet Kaur and her team carrying the hopes of millions. More than chasing victory, this World Cup is about lifting women’s cricket to new heights and making sure young girls can dream of playing without thinking twice, knowing the path is wide open for them.
