India women’s squad for ODI World Cup 2025: Shafali Verma misses out; Renuka Thakur back

Shafali Verma failed to make the cut as the national women’s selection committee named a tried and tested 15-member Indian squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup.

While Shafali, who fell out of favour in the ODI set-up last year, continued to miss out on selection, youngsters Tejal Hasnabis, Shuchi Upadhyay and Sayali Satghare, who were all part of the ODI series against England recently, have been left out of the squad.

Between 2022 and 2025, India handed debuts to as many as 19 players, but ahead of the marquee event at home, Neetu David, the chairperson of the selection committee, made it clear that continuity was the priority for the side.

“We played against England (with almost the same squad) and we have been working with this group for a long time. And, we think that this is a better team and that’s why we did not want too many changes…” David said on Tuesday.

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While Shafali, who is currently touring Australia with India’s A team, did not find a place in the squad, fast bowler Renuka Thakur was included in the squad after a long injury layoff.

After being left out of the tri-series in Sri Lanka earlier this year due to a foot injury, Renuka will make her international comeback in the three-match ODI series against Australia in September ahead of the World Cup. Along with Renuka, pace-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur has also been included in the World Cup squad. However, she is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, and will miss out on the three-match ODI series against Australia in the lead up to the World Cup.

“She’s one of the important players, she’s at COE, working on a few small niggles. We’ve rested her for the Australia series so that she can fully be available for the World Cup,” said captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

Sources have told Sportstar that as a back injury flared up during the ODIs against England, the team management did not want to take a risk, and it was decided that Amanjot would be given enough time to get ready for the World Cup.

Renuka’s presence would be a massive boost to India’s bowling department, which comprises the seasoned Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana. “Renuka has been a precious player for us. She had niggles and was out of the game, but is available now. She is our main player. This is a main event, and it’s great she’s part of the team,” said David.

With Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues spearheading the batting unit, and the young Pratika Rawal set to feature in her maiden ICC event, the selectors and the team management is confident of India’s chances at home. After being delayed by torrential rain in the city, the selection committee meeting wrapped up quickly, and as captain Harmanpreet said, “This was the shortest selection meeting we’ve had, hopefully it’ll be the best meeting too…”