India’s squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Key strengths and areas of concern

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: India squad's SWOT analysis. (Photo: BCCI)

Team India have announced a strong 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, while Smriti Mandhana has been named her deputy. The World Cup is set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka, making the Women in Blue one of the tournament favourites.

Here is the squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK) and Sneh Rana.

Shafali Verma has missed out, while Amanjot and Renuka have been included despite recent injury concerns. The selectors have gone for a good mix of youth, experience, and form.

Strengths

Strong opening pair

Smriti and Pratika will be key at the top. Together, they have scored 1086 runs in 14 innings at an average of 77.57. In India, their record is even better—701 runs in six innings at an average of 116.83. Their starts could decide India’s chances of posting big totals or chasing difficult targets.

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Experienced middle order

India’s middle order looks solid with Harleen, Harmanpreet, Jemimah, and Richa. Harleen has been trusted at number three and has delivered. Since 2024, she has scored 584 runs in 16 innings at an average of 38.93, including a century and a fifty. Jemimah and Harmanpreet will be vital with their experience, while Richa adds firepower with her aggressive hitting. Yastika Bhatia is also available as a backup option both as an opening or middle-order batter and wicketkeeper.

Amanjot adds balance

Amanjot Kaur’s inclusion strengthens the side. She impressed in England with both bat and ball before suffering a back injury. Her role as a pace-bowling all-rounder is important, especially with Pooja Vastrakar ruled out.

Weaknesses

Fitness concerns

There are fitness worries over Harmanpreet, Amanjot, and Renuka. Renuka has not played any competitive cricket since the WPL and will use the upcoming ODI series against Australia to prove her match readiness. Harmanpreet too has battled injuries in the last year, making her fitness a key factor.

Lack of leg spinner

India have four strong spinners—Deepti, Rana, Charani, and Radha. But none of them are leg spinners. This reduces variety in the attack. Asha Sobhana and Priya Mishra are currently injured and hence, there was a lack of options for the selectors.

No backup for Amanjot

India lack a like-for-like replacement for Amanjot Kaur. Pooja Vastrakar and Kashvee Gautam are unavailable due to injuries. Other all-rounders like Deepti, Rana, and Radha are spin-bowling options. This makes Amanjot’s fitness vital for India’s balance.