In an unexpected change to India’s playing XI against Pakistan in match 6 of Women’s World Cup 2025, all-rounder Amanjot Kaur is ruled out of the game due to illness. In her absence, pacer Renuka Singh Thakur makes her way back into the side, a move that slightly alters the team’s balance but strengthens India’s pace attack.
Amanjot Kaur’s absence will certainly be felt. The Chandigarh-born cricketer has been in splendid form of late, registering her maiden half-century – a composed 57 off 56 balls at a strike rate of 101, in India’s World Cup campaign opener, against Sri Lanka.
Walking in to bat after a middle order collapse, she stood up with a century-run partnership with Deepti Sharma, bailing India out of trouble to posting a challenging total. She also picked up a wicket, delivering with both bat and ball in India’s 59-run win over Sri Lanka.
In 10 ODIs so far, she has amassed 155 runs and taken 14 wickets, proving her worth as a reliable all-rounder and a vital link between India’s middle order and bowling unit. Her ability to contribute in both departments made her one of India’s standout performers heading into this fixture.
However, with Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India’s decision to go with a five-bowler combination appears strategic. The trio of Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and N Sree Charani will shoulder the main workload on a pitch expected to assist turners. The inclusion of Renuka Singh Thakur offers India a touch of pace, variety, experience alongside young Kranti Goud.
Renuka, known for her ability to swing the ball both ways, brings significant international experience. In her ODI career so far, she has picked up 38 wickets, with the best spell of 5 for 29, showcasing her capability to dismantle the opposition. Her return to the side not only boosts India’s bowling strength but also adds depth in the lower order.
As India aims to continue its winning momentum after a 59-run victory over Sri Lanka, the side will be eager to maintain its balance and composure against arch-rivals Pakistan, a contest that always carries high emotion and intensity.
While Amanjot’s unavailability is a setback, it also opens the door for Renuka to make an immediate impact and remind everyone of her match-winning potential. With the conditions likely to favour spin, and the pace spearhead ready to exploit any movement with the new ball, India’s bowling attack looks well-rounded despite the forced change.
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