The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as hosts India have officially announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to commence on September 30. With the tournament being played on home soil, the Indian team is looking to capitalise on familiar conditions and the roaring support of their fans to bring home their maiden World Cup trophy.
Led by the dynamic Harmanpreet Kaur, the squad strikes a balance between seasoned performers and promising young talent. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain, a decision that reflects her growing stature as one of the most consistent batters in world cricket.
Leadership at the Helm: Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana
This will be the first time that Harmanpreet Kaur leads India in a Women’s World Cup. Known for her aggressive approach and ability to inspire teammates, Kaur has previously delivered match-winning performances on the biggest stages. Her leadership will be crucial as India seeks to navigate the pressures of hosting the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana, who has been a mainstay of India’s batting line-up for years, brings stability and flair. Her role as vice-captain will ensure a strong tactical partnership with Harmanpreet, combining experience with strategic insight to guide the team through crucial moments.
The Final 15: Power and Balance
The squad reflects careful selection, blending experience with youthful energy to form a well-rounded unit capable of adapting to different match scenarios. The full squad for the World Cup includes:
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
Additionally, India has named a set of reserves to provide depth and cover for injuries or last-minute changes. These include Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, and Sayali Satghare.
Batting Line-Up: Experience Meets Youth
India’s batting unit boasts of world-class players capable of setting or chasing big targets. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will anchor the top order, with Jemimah Rodrigues providing elegance and stroke play in the middle overs. Richa Ghosh, known for her fearless hitting, adds firepower in the lower middle order, while Yastika Bhatia offers reliability and composure.
Emerging stars like Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol bring versatility, with both players being capable of rotating strike effectively and shifting gears when required. This mix of experience and youth ensures that India has a batting order that can adapt to any match situation, from consolidating after early wickets to launching an all-out assault in the death overs.
Bowling Attack: A Blend of Pace and Spin
India’s bowling attack for the 2025 edition is designed to thrive in home conditions. Renuka Singh Thakur leads the pace department, bringing consistency with the new ball, while Arundhati Reddy adds depth and swing. All-rounder Deepti Sharma will be pivotal with both bat and ball, often being the go-to option for crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
The spin unit, a traditional strength of Indian cricket, features names like Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, and Sree Charani, who are expected to exploit turning tracks to trouble opposition batters. The inclusion of young talent Kranti Gaud provides an additional spin option, adding variety to the attack.
Home Advantage and Preparations
Playing at home gives India a massive edge, but it also comes with immense pressure. The team has been preparing rigorously, focusing on fine-tuning their strategies for subcontinental conditions. Recent white-ball series against England and Australia have provided valuable match practice and highlighted areas that needed improvement.
India will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on the opening day, a fixture that promises to set the tone for the tournament. The team management has stressed the importance of starting strong and building momentum early.
Australia ODI Series: A Key Dress Rehearsal
Ahead of the World Cup, India will host Australia for an ODI series, which will serve as an ideal dress rehearsal for the big tournament. The squad for this series includes many of the World Cup players, with Sayali Satghare joining the group for this preparatory phase.
India’s squad for the Australia series:
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, and Sneh Rana.
This series will test India’s combinations, bowling rotations, and middle-order stability, giving selectors and coaches a clear idea of the best possible XI for World Cup matches.
The Road Ahead: India’s World Cup Ambition
India has come close to winning the Women’s World Cup on multiple occasions, finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. The 2025 edition, however, represents a golden opportunity to finally lift the trophy in front of home fans. The squad possesses a fine balance of aggression and composure, backed by a management team that has focused on fitness, fielding standards, and mental conditioning.
The tournament will not just be about individual brilliance but about how well India performs as a cohesive unit under pressure. With a packed schedule, recovery and rotation strategies will also play a vital role in maintaining player freshness and avoiding injuries.
Fans’ Anticipation and Expectations
As the countdown to September 30 begins, excitement is building among cricket fans across India. Stadiums are expected to be packed, creating an electrifying atmosphere that can serve as the team’s biggest strength. Social media is already buzzing with predictions, player analyses, and discussions about India’s best XI.
This World Cup is more than just a cricket tournament—it represents the progress and growing popularity of women’s cricket in India. A strong performance by the home team could inspire a new generation of cricketers and take the sport to unprecedented heights in the country.
The stage is set, the squad is ready, and the dream is alive. All that remains is for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team to step onto the field and turn potential into history.