India’s Women’s World Cup Squad Unveiled: Shafali Verma Left Out As Harmanpreet Leads Home Campaign

In a major development ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the BCCI has announced India’s 15-member squad for the marquee tournament set to begin on home soil from September 30. The announcement, made on August 19, has stirred conversation across the cricketing world, with the notable omission of explosive opener Shafali Verma raising eyebrows. Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the side, while Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain. The squad blends experience with emerging talent, aiming to deliver a strong performance in front of home fans.

 

Key Highlights From The Squad Announcement

1. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy

2. Shafali Verma has been left out despite recent appearances in India A and England tours

3. Renuka Singh Thakur returns to the squad after recovering from a foot injury

4. The squad includes two wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia

5. India will kick off their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on September 30

 

Squad Composition And Player Roles

The 15-member squad reflects a strategic mix of batting depth, all-round versatility, and bowling variety:

* Batters: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues

* All-rounders: Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur

* Wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia

* Bowlers: Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud

* Standby players: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare

 

Shafali Verma’s Omission Sparks Debate

The exclusion of Shafali Verma, one of India’s most dynamic batters, has triggered widespread discussion:

* Shafali had returned to the national setup for the England tour earlier this year, scoring 47 and 75 in T20Is

* Her recent form dipped during India A’s tour of Australia, with scores of 3, 3, and 41

* Despite her explosive potential, selectors opted for consistency and form over reputation

* The decision reflects a shift toward reliability and balance in high-pressure tournaments

 

Renuka Singh’s Comeback Adds Firepower

Renuka Singh Thakur’s inclusion is a boost to India’s pace attack:

* She missed the tri-series in Sri Lanka and WPL 2025 due to injury

* Her return adds swing and aggression to India’s bowling unit

* She will also feature in the three-match ODI series against Australia in September as preparation

 

Tournament Build-Up And Fixtures

India’s preparation includes a home ODI series against Australia before the World Cup:

* The series will be played from September 14 to 20 in Mullanpur and Delhi

* These matches will help finalize combinations and assess form

* India’s World Cup campaign begins on September 30 against Sri Lanka

* The tournament will run until November 2, with matches hosted across major Indian cities

 

Strategic Direction And Selection Philosophy

The squad reflects a clear shift in selection priorities:

* Emphasis on form, fitness, and adaptability over past performances

* Inclusion of emerging talents like Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani signals long-term planning

* The selection committee has focused on building a team that can handle pressure and perform consistently

* Harmanpreet and Mandhana’s leadership duo brings experience and tactical depth

 

Conclusion: A Bold Call Ahead Of A Historic Campaign

India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad announcement has set the tone for a high-stakes tournament at home. While Shafali Verma’s absence is a headline-grabber, the team’s overall composition suggests a calculated approach aimed at balance and resilience. With a mix of seasoned performers and promising newcomers, the Women in Blue are gearing up to make a strong statement on the global stage.

 

Sources: NewsBytes, Zee News, Sportstar, Cricbuzz, MSN News