Women’s World Cup 2025: India Women squad analysis, Player form guide, Team balance and Probable playing XI.
On 19th August 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 30. In a historic moment, Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India for the first time in a Women’s World Cup, with star opener Smriti Mandhana named as her deputy. The announcement reflects a clear vision of combining experienced campaigners with rising talent, giving India a well-rounded and balanced unit.
With Mandhana anchoring the top order, Harmanpreet eyeing a memorable campaign in what could be her last ODI World Cup, and Renuka Singh Thakur returning to spearhead the pace attack, the squad has already generated huge excitement. As hosts, India will enter the tournament with high expectations, carrying perhaps their most complete side in recent memory.
India Women World Cup 2025 Squad Analysis
Top Order: A Strong Foundation
India’s top order appears formidable with Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol forming the first three positions. Mandhana, the face of Indian batting, continues to be in sublime touch and remains the backbone of the lineup. Rawal, a young yet fearless batter, has shown remarkable promise with consistent performances in recent months. Deol, too, has been among the runs, striking form at just the right time and providing stability as well as flair at number three. Together, this top order not only has the ability to build big partnerships but also to put opposition bowlers under immediate pressure.
Read More: Women’s World Cup 2025: Renuka Thakur makes her way back to India squad; Shafali doesn’t feature
Middle Order: Experience Meets Spark
The middle order is anchored by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, alongside Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh. For Harmanpreet, this World Cup holds special significance as it could be her last appearance in the ODI format. At 36, she would be determined to finish her career on a high, although her recent lack of runs is a concern that India will hope she can overcome. Rodrigues, on the other hand, has been exceptional at number five, often playing the role of sheet anchor and rescuing India from tricky situations.
Deepti Sharma’s role as one of the best all-rounders in the world cannot be overstated her ability to deliver with both bat and ball makes her indispensable in the XI. Adding to this strength is Richa Ghosh, who brings power-hitting at the back end of the innings along with reliable wicketkeeping skills. While Yastika Bhatia is also in the squad, Richa’s explosive batting makes her the preferred choice at six or seven. This middle order carries the right balance of solidity and firepower, a combination India desperately needs in the high-pressure stages of a World Cup.
All-Round Depth: The X-Factor
Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur strengthen the lower order with their dual abilities. Rana, with her accurate off-spin and fighting spirit with the bat, has time and again proved her worth in crunch situations. Amanjot Kaur has been one of the most promising all-rounders in recent years, regularly contributing with both bat and ball. The two together not only lengthen India’s batting lineup but also provide the captain with an option to extract 10 to 12 overs, ensuring balance between spin and pace. Their presence is perhaps the biggest X-factor in India’s squad.
Read More: Who is Shree Charani, India Women’s young left-arm spinner?
Spin Department: Balancing Youth and Experience
India’s spin attack looks balanced with Radha Yadav and Sree Charani offering two distinct choices. Radha, with her years of experience in international cricket, is trusted in high-pressure situations and has even captained in overseas conditions like Australia. On the other hand, Charani represents the next generation of Indian spin bowling, energetic, fearless, and effective. The team management may rely more on Radha for crucial matches, while giving Charani opportunities depending on the opposition and conditions. Having both options ensures India can adapt their bowling strategy as required.
Pace Attack: The Return of Renuka Singh
Perhaps the most encouraging news for India is the return of Renuka Singh Thakur, who will lead the pace attack. After being sidelined due to injury, her comeback adds much-needed sharpness to the bowling lineup. Renuka’s ability to swing the new ball and pick up wickets early on makes her the most dangerous weapon in the pace department. Supporting her will be Amanjot Kaur, who provides a second pace option, though the rest of the attack remains spin-heavy. Renuka’s presence brings variety and balance, qualities India had sorely missed in her absence.
Alongside them, the squad includes Arundhati Reddy, an experienced pacer who adds depth, and Kranti Gaud, a promising young quick. Their presence gives India greater pace-bowling options and flexibility depending on conditions.
India Women Probable Playing XI for World Cup 2025
Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(wk), Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani.
Read More: Schedule of 2025 Women’s World Cup
