BCCI announces India’s 15-member women’s cricket squad for the ODI World Cup 2025. Harmanpreet Kaur leads, Smriti Mandhana is vice-captain
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s One Day International World Cup, scheduled to be held in India from 30th September to 2nd November 2025. The women in Blue will be led by Captain Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy in this mega Tournament.
In a significant move, explosive opener Shafali Verma has been omitted from the squad. Chief selector Neetu David explained that the decision was made to allow Verma to gain more experience, citing her recent dip in form.
Taking Shafali’s place is Pratika Rawal, who has been in consistent form and has formed a successful opening partnership with Mandhana in recent times. Together, they have scored 1086 runs in 14 innings at an average of 77.57. In India, their record is even better – 701 runs in six innings at an average of 116.83. Their starts could decide India’s chances of posting big totals or chasing difficult targets. Rawal’s ability to bowl also adds to her value as an all-rounder.
The squad shows a clear emphasis on all-rounders, with the inclusion of Amanjot Kaur, who was not part of the recent tour to Australia. The team also includes Kranti Gaud, whose impressive six-wicket haul against England secured her a spot.
India’s middle order looks solid with Harleen, Harmanpreet, Jemimah, and Richa. Harleen has been trusted at number three and has delivered. Since 2024, she has scored 584 runs in 16 innings at an average of 38.93.
With other top teams like England and Australia currently in a transitional phase, the stable Indian squad is seen as having a strong chance to win their first World Cup title.
In a notable scheduling detail, India’s match against Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 5th October. This is in line with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) policy for tournaments involving the two nations, due to travel restrictions. If Pakistan advances to the knockout stage or the final, those matches will also be held in Colombo.
India holds high hopes for the team to lift the trophy, especially with the advantage of playing at home. The 2017 World Cup in England, where India reached the final, is widely regarded as a pivotal moment for women’s cricket in the country. Fans are eager to see the team go one step further this time.
Full Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Smriti Mandhana(vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh(wk), Kranti Gaud, , Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, , Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia(wk) and Sneh Rana.