In a surprising move, India have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at home — and big-hitting opener Shafali Verma has been left out. Despite showing promise on her India A tour of Australia and receiving public backing from head coach Amol Muzumdar, the selectors opted for consistency and form over reputation.
Renuka Thakur Returns
The biggest boost for India comes with the return of Renuka Thakur. The pace spearhead, who has been sidelined since the Women’s Premier League 2025 due to a foot injury, is set to make her international comeback in the three-match ODI series against Australia in September. Her experience and new-ball threat will be crucial on home pitches, where India will look to make the most of early swing.
Amanjot Rested, Satghare Steps In
Allrounder Amanjot Kaur has also been included in the World Cup squad but won’t feature in the Australia ODIs, as she continues to recover from a back niggle. Sayali Satghare has been drafted in as her temporary replacement. This is the only change between the two squads, underlining how settled India’s World Cup plans are.
Shafali’s Absence & The Rise of Pratika Rawal
Verma’s omission opens the door for Pratika Rawal, who has been in blistering form since her debut last December. With 703 runs at an average of 54.07 in just 14 innings, Rawal has forced her way into the XI and now partners vice-captain Smriti Mandhana at the top. Rawal’s ability to provide consistent starts has given her the edge over Shafali.
Selectors stressed that Verma remains very much in India’s long-term plans. Chief selector Neetu David said:
“She is in our system. The more she plays, the more experience she gains, the better she will serve India in the future.”
New Faces for a New Era
The squad has several first-timers: Harleen Deol at No. 3, allrounders Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy, spinners Radha Yadav and Sree Charani, and pacer Kranti Goud, who recently impressed with a six-wicket haul in England.
For Jemimah Rodrigues, this is also a milestone. Left out of the 2022 World Cup after a lean patch, she now gets her maiden ODI World Cup chance.
Key Fixtures
- India vs Australia ODIs: September 14 & 17 (Mullanpur, New Chandigarh) and September 20 (Delhi)
- World Cup Opener: India vs Sri Lanka on September 30
India’s World Cup 2025 Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur
Stand-by: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawal, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Mnnu Mani, Sayali Satghare
As India gear up for a home World Cup, the balance of youth and experience in the squad will be closely watched. Can the new-look opening pair deliver? Will Renuka Thakur’s return sharpen the attack? And can Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership finally bring the trophy home?
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