The ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2025 is set to be a grand event jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, 2025. This is the 13th edition of the elite event. India, who are at home ground again in the 4th instance, are likely to do great things with a good squad and decent planning in the run-up to the event.
Let’s dive into the details of the Indian squad, the team’s prospects, and key insights for the World Cup 2025.
India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Squad Announcement
On the 19th of August 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian women’s cricket team for the ODI World Cup 2025. The team is captained by Harmanpreet Kaur. Smriti Mandhana was appointed as the vice-captain, and she would be India’s opening batwoman with the likes of Pratika Rawal, who has just secured her place based on consistent performances.
The complete 15-player team
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
- Smriti Mandhana (Vice-captain)
- Pratika Rawal
- Harleen Deol
- Deepti Sharma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Arundhati Reddy
- Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
- Kranti Gaud
- Amanjot Kaur
- Radha Yadav
- Sree Charani
- Yastika Bhatia (Wicketkeeper)
- Sneh Rana
Interestingly, the star opener Shafali Verma, who has been a game-changer as an opener in past campaigns, has been excluded from the team on form and strategy considerations of the side. The selectors have decided to favor the present form and balance of the team, which has delivered recent success in bilateral series and tri-series tournaments.
Why This Team?
India’s team choice is a testament to the team’s recent superior performances and strength in all domains. Since 2024, India has had a better run against the majority of the international teams except Australia, which remains a tough team to beat. The Indian women’s team won series against South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and England, showcasing their increased strength and adaptability in 50-over cricket.
The batting division is headed by Smriti and Harmanpreet, both world-class players who can deliver under pressure.
The spin bowling line is led by Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma, who have been steady wicket-takers and economical bowlers.
The pace line is headed by Renuka Singh Thakur, whose bowling during the turning points has been vital.
The wicketkeeping options are Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia, who offer versatility based on conditions.
Tournament Information and India’s Fixtures
The World Cup will see eight teams compete in a round-robin schedule, out of which the top four will reach the semi-finals. The other participating team, apart from India, are Australia (title-holders), England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
India will play the opening match of the tournament against Sri Lanka on September 30, with Bengaluru or another major city likely to host it, subject to the final approval following security audits at some of the stadiums. India versus Pakistan on October 5 will be one of the headline matches, a bonus for the fans.
Prediction and Analysis
India comes into the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup with great hope. The combination of skilled, experienced & motivated leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, with the current form, strong spin bowling, and a stable batting unit, makes them amongst the most likely to win the tournament.
Some of the key factors likely to determine India’s success are:
- Home advantage: Playing on familiar grounds with home support can enhance confidence and performance.
- Strength across the board: India has strong depth in both batting and bowling, which lessens over-reliance on one player.
- Leadership: Harmanpreet Kaur’s experience in ICC tournaments provides an edge of confidence.
- Preparation: India’s series in ODIs against Australia in preparation for the World Cup will be a good rehearsal against a leading opposition.
Also Read: Kedar Jadhav’s Controversial Stand: “India Should Not Play Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025
Conclusion
As India hosts the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the nation is happy and looking at the bright future of the team. The 15-member side that has been named by the BCCI is a perfect blend of experience, talent, and youthful exuberance.
With Harmanpreet Kaur at the helm and Smriti Mandhana acting as vice-captain, India has a real hope of lifting the trophy on home ground after years of toil and consistent improvement.
The tournament has exciting cricket with India set to be among the top teams. There should be spirited performances and dramatic games, with hopefully a successful campaign for the Indian women’s cricket team in the 2025 World Cup.
