India names squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

Post by : Jyoti Singh

Photo: Facebook Indian Cricket Team

India Announces Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Squad. The excitement around the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is steadily growing, and India has now revealed its official squad for the big tournament. The competition will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting on September 30, 2025. Along with the World Cup, the team will also play a three-match ODI series against Australia in preparation.

The announcement has brought both good news and disappointment for players and fans. Experienced pacer Renuka Singh and talented all-rounder Amanjot Kaur have returned to the squad after recovering from injuries. On the other hand, young opener Shafali Verma has once again been left out of the ODI format, which has sparked much discussion among followers of Indian women’s cricket.

Selection Meeting

The squad was chosen by the national women’s selection committee headed by former cricketer Neetu David. The meeting to finalise the team included captain Harmanpreet Kaur vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar.

During the announcement, the selectors explained their choices clearly. They highlighted the importance of having fit and experienced players ready for the high-pressure World Cup.

Renuka Singh’s Comeback

For Indian fans, one of the biggest positives is the return of Renuka Singh. She had missed the Women’s Premier League (WPL) after suffering from a stress fracture diagnosed in December 2024. Her absence was a big blow for India earlier this year, but now she is fully fit and ready to lead India’s bowling attack.

She will also feature in the ODI series against Australia which will serve as a testing ground before the World Cup. Renuka’s ability to swing the ball early and pick up wickets in crucial moments has often been praised, and her comeback strengthens India’s bowling line-up.

Amanjot Kaur’s Return

Another key inclusion is Amanjot Kaur an important all-rounder for India. Though she has been included in the World Cup squad she will not play the series against Australia because she is still recovering from minor injuries. At present, she is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed that Amanjot is improving well and is expected to be fully ready when the World Cup begins. Amanjot adds depth to the middle order and also provides balance with her bowling, making her a vital player for India’s World Cup campaign.

Shafali Verma Left Out

One of the biggest surprises, or perhaps disappointments, is the continued absence of Shafali Verma from the ODI squad. Shafali, known for her fearless batting in T20 cricket, has not yet secured her place in the 50-over format.

Neetu David explained that the selectors are still keeping a close watch on her progress. She said:

Shafali played in the Australia-A series. She is still in the system. We are watching her closely. We want her to gain more experience because that will help her serve India better in the ODI format.

This indicates that while Shafali is not part of the squad at the moment, she is very much in the selectors’ long-term plans.

India’s World Cup Squad

The squad named for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent.

World Cup Squad:

• Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)

• Smriti Mandhana (Vice-captain)

• Pratika Rawal

• Harleen Deol

• Deepti Sharma

• Jemimah Rodrigues

• Renuka Singh

• Arundhati Reddy

• Richa Ghosh (wk)

• Kranti Goud

• Amanjot Kaur

• Radha Yadav

• N. Shree Charani

• Yastika Bhatia

• Sneh Rana

Standby Players:

• Tejal Hasabnis

• Prema Rawat

• Priya Mishra

• Uma Chetry

• Minnu Mani

• Sayali Satghare

This line-up shows a strong balance across departments. With Harmanpreet and Smriti leading the batting, Renuka spearheading the pace attack, and spinners like Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma, the squad looks well-prepared to challenge the best in the world.

Squad for Australia ODIs

For the three-match ODI series against Australia which will be played just before the World Cup, India has made a few small changes.

• Australia ODI Squad:

• Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)

• Smriti Mandhana

• Pratika Rawal

• Harleen Deol

• Deepti Sharma

• Jemimah Rodrigues

• Renuka Singh

• Arundhati Reddy

• Richa Ghosh (wk)

• Kranti Goud

• Sayali Satghare

• Radha Yadav

• N. Shree

• Yastika Bhatia

• Sneh Rana

Here, Sayali Satghare has been included, while Amanjot Kaur has been left out due to her recovery process.

Key Players to Watch

1. Harmanpreet Kaur – As captain, her leadership and aggressive batting will be crucial.

2. Smriti Mandhana – The dependable vice-captain, known for anchoring the innings.

3. Renuka Singh – Returning pacer who can trouble batters with swing.

4. Deepti Sharma – All-rounder who provides stability with both bat and ball.

5. Richa Ghosh – Young wicketkeeper-batter with explosive hitting ability.

India’s Preparation

Playing against Australia before the World Cup will be a good test for the Indian team. Australia is one of the strongest sides in women’s cricket, and the series will allow India to judge its strengths and weaknesses before heading into the global tournament.

With home advantage in India and co-hosting responsibilities with Sri Lanka, expectations are high from the Indian women’s team. The selectors, captain, and coaching staff have all stressed that the players are being prepared not just physically but also mentally for the challenges ahead.

Looking Ahead

The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises to be a major event for cricket fans worldwide. For India, the tournament is more than just a competition—it is a chance to showcase the growth of women’s cricket in the country and to inspire the next generation of players.

The return of Renuka Singh and Amanjot Kaur strengthens the squad, while the continued monitoring of Shafali Verma shows that the selectors are building for both present success and the future. With strong leadership from Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, and with experienced players backed by young talent, India has every chance of making a deep run in the tournament.

Fans will be hoping that this squad can deliver India its long-awaited first Women’s ODI World Cup trophy.