With just over a month to go for the upcoming 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, hosted by India and Sri Lanka, from 30th September 2025, it will be the 4th time India is hosting the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, after previously hosting the prestigious mega event in the women’s game in 2013. India’s ODI World Cup squad was announced on August 19.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will have a strong dress rehearsal facing the Alyssa Healy-led Australia for a three-match ODI series from 14th to 20th September 2025, in New Chandigarh and Delhi, before they begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on 30th September. The series will offer Harmanpreet Kaur and her side a chance to fine-tune combinations and address any lingering question marks in form and fitness.
The 15-member squad carries several familiar faces from India’s core group, but with one notable distinction: all-rounder Amanjot Kaur has been rested to manage minor fitness concerns, even though she has been named in the World Cup squad. Her absence paves the way for Sayali Satghare, who has impressed in patches whenever she has had her opportunity in the format. She is also named in the standby list for the upcoming ODI World Cup at home.
The biggest boost for India, however, is the return of Renuka Singh Thakur, the spearhead of India’s pace attack, who has been out of competitive cricket since December 2024 with a stress fracture. Fully fit and raring to go, Renuka immediately strengthens India’s new-ball unit alongside Kranti Goud, whose form against England stood out with a string of incisive spells.
“Renuka has been a precious player for us. She’s our main strike option up front, and it’s a big relief to have her back before a tournament as big as the World Cup,” said chief selector Neetu David, underlining Renuka’s centrality to India’s plans.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also shed light on India’s bowling strategies heading into the Australia series. “With Renuka and Kranti for the powerplay, and the likes of Shree Charani, Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav controlling the end overs, we have a unit that covers multiple phases. Add Sneh Rana’s crafty middle-overs spells, and we feel balanced,” Harmanpreet explained.
At the top of the order, Pratika Rawal continues to cement her place as Smriti Mandhana’s opening partner, a partnership that has quietly evolved in the past year. Harleen Deol is expected to continue her steady rise at No. 3, forming the backbone of India’s top order with Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues.
The squad notably does not feature Shafali Verma, who has been left out of the World Cup squad as well after falling out of favour in the ODI setup last year. While her absence raises eyebrows given her recent appearances for India A in Australia, the selectors insist that she remains in contention for a 50-over return in the future.
“Shafali is still in the system. She just needs more game time and experience. We haven’t closed the door on her,” David clarified.
In the wicketkeeping department, Richa Ghosh remains the frontline choice, but the recall of Yastika Bhatia after her solid outings for India A provides depth. Bhatia’s ability to stabilise the middle order and her left-handed option add tactical variety in a field dominated by right-handed hitters.
Facing Australia in home conditions right before the World Cup presents India with exactly the kind of contest they need: high-quality opposition that will test batting discipline, bowling penetration, and fielding sharpness. The series will also allow India to refine the balance between spin and pace depending on surfaces in Chandigarh and Delhi, conditions expected to mirror those at some of the World Cup venues in India and Sri Lanka.
For India, who have twice come agonizingly close to World Cup glory, in 2005 and 2017, these games are not just warm-ups; they are a chance to build confidence, momentum, and belief that this could finally be the year to break the title drought.
India Women’s Squad for the Australia ODIs:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, N Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh Rana
(Quotes sourced from EspnCricinfo)
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