The Indian women’s cricket team has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, which will be hosted in India from September 30. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side in what is set to be a marquee event at home.
The team will open its campaign against Sri Lanka, but a big call came with Shafali Varma missing out from the squad. The selectors have instead placed their trust in experienced names and a few exciting young talents.
Veteran Mithali Raj expressed confidence in the team’s balance, stressing that India are aiming for direct qualification to future ICC tournaments by finishing strong in the Women’s Championship standings. India are currently third in the table and will host England later this month in another key series.
Smriti Mandhana’s form remains a major positive. The opener was the standout performer during the recent ODI series against New Zealand, where India clinched a convincing victory under new coach WV Raman.
Mithali also highlighted that India want to avoid the Qualifiers route they had to take in 2017. “This time we want direct qualification for 2025. With England and West Indies series coming up, we’re focused on getting maximum points,” she said.
India were runners-up in the 2017 World Cup, and this time, playing at home, expectations are higher than ever. The squad also includes rising names like Tanya Gupta and Jemimah Rodrigues, who impressed with their performances against New Zealand.
Despite a slip in the rankings after losing the third ODI in New Zealand, Mithali is confident about the team’s preparations. “Winning two games away gave us a lot of belief. India are in the top four, and that is where we want to stay,” she added.
With a mix of experience and youth, India’s 15-member squad looks geared up for the challenge. Fans will be hoping Harmanpreet and her team can go one step further than 2017 and lift the trophy on home soil.