The countdown to the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 has begun, and with 9 wins from 11 matches in 2025, India enters the tournament with both momentum and expectation on their side.
With such strong form behind them, India now faces the crucial question of squad selection. The BCCI will announce the final team on August 19, and while a few names like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh are guaranteed inclusions, the rest of the squad is still up for debate. Let’s take a closer look at the probables who could shape India’s World Cup campaign.
The Probable Contenders
Shafali Verma – Power with Inconsistency
Shafali’s explosiveness at the top is undeniable, but consistency has eluded her. Since the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, she has scored just 277 runs from 14 innings at an average of 21.30. Her last ODI came in October 2024, leaving her future uncertain.
Yastika Bhatia – A Case from India A
With 295 runs from 15 innings since April 2022, Yastika’s numbers mirror Shafali’s struggles, with the best of 50. Yet, she impressed for India A in Australia, guiding a 2-1 series win with scores of 59, 66, and 42.
Pratika Rawal – The Breakthrough Star
The 24-year-old has been India’s revelation since her debut against West Indies on 22nd December 2024. In just 14 innings, she has piled up 703 runs at 54.07, with the best of 154. Already the fifth-highest run-scorer in this period, Rawal looks set to carry India’s future at the top.
Harleen Deol – Steady and Reliable
Harleen has quietly been one of India’s most consistent batters, amassing 804 runs from 26 innings since 2022, including the highest of 115. She is India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in this period, making her a strong contender.
Amanjot Kaur – The Rising Allrounder
Since debuting against Bangladesh in July 2023, the 24-year-old has showcased her dual talent. In 9 ODIs, she has taken 13 wickets (best 4/31) and contributed 98 runs, underlining her value as a balance-creating allrounder.
Renuka Singh – Leading the Pace Attack
With 32 wickets in 17 ODIs at 21.21 since the 2022 World Cup, Renuka has been India’s spearhead in Jhulan Goswami’s absence. Her best of 5/29 reflects her match-winning ability, though injury has sidelined her since December 2024.
Sneh Rana – Wicket-Taking Consistency
Rana has been a pillar of India’s bowling unit, picking up 24 wickets in just 14 matches since the 2022 World Cup, with the best of 5/43. Her 15 wickets in the Sri Lanka tri-series only enhanced her reputation as a clutch performer.
Arundhati Reddy – New Blood in Pace
Debuting in June 2024 against South Africa, Reddy has already played 9 ODIs, claiming 11 wickets, including 4/26 against Australia away from home. She also provides useful lower order runs.
Radha Yadav – All-round Spark
Since the 2022 World Cup, Radha has featured in 7 ODIs, picking 8 wickets and adding 59 runs with the highest of 48. Recently, she led India A to a 2-1 victory against Australia A, contributing 5 wickets and 97 runs across three ODIs.
Pooja Vastrakar – The Impact Player
Though injuries have kept her out since June 2024, Pooja remains a game-changer. Since the 2022 World Cup, she has scored 239 runs at 47.80 (best 62) and taken 11 wickets in 13 ODIs, underlining her dual role.
Shreyanka Patil – Untapped Potential
With only 3 ODIs under her belt, Shreyanka has still managed 5 wickets, with a best of 3/57. Her off-spin and lower-order batting give her an edge, though recent injuries — including missing WPL 2025 — cast doubts.
Kranti Goud – The Breakout Bowler
Fresh from her career-best 6/52 against England, Goud has made headlines. In 4 ODIs, she has collected 9 wickets, and her ability to strike in crunch moments has boosted her chances of making her first World Cup.
Others in the Frame
India’s depth pool includes Titas Sadhu, Minnu Mani, N Shree Charani, Saima Thakor, and Priya Mishra, all of whom have been tested recently. While they may not be frontrunners, they add valuable options to the mix.
What Lies Ahead
Before the World Cup, India will fine-tune their squad with a three-match ODI series against defending champions Australia starting September 14. Warm-ups against England (September 25) and New Zealand (September 27) will follow, before the campaign begins in Bengaluru against Sri Lanka.
India’s Schedule – ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
30 September – India vs Sri Lanka – Bengaluru
5 October – India vs Pakistan – Colombo
9 October – India vs South Africa – Vizag
12 October – India vs Australia – Vizag
19 October – India vs England – Indore
23 October – India vs New Zealand – Guwahati
26 October – India vs Bangladesh – Bengaluru
The Road to Glory
India stands at the cusp of a golden opportunity. With stalwarts like Harmanpreet and Mandhana leading the way, and exciting talents like Rawal and Goud emerging, the squad promises a balance of experience and freshness. The final selection will be more than just about statistics — it will be about composure under pressure and the hunger to win the biggest prize in women’s cricket.
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