Renuka Singh and Amanjot Kaur return from injury, while India banks on settled core for home World Cup
India World Cup is missed by one of the most explosive young talents in women’s cricket. Shafali Verma, who has been on the fringes of the ODI setup for the past year, did not find a place in the 15-member squad announced for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Instead, the selectors have shown faith in a largely settled core, welcoming back Renuka Singh Thakur and Amanjot Kaur, both returning from injury layoffs.
India World Cup is missed by Shafali as Rawal continues opening role
Shafali’s absence is one of the most talked-about points from India’s squad announcement. The young opener had been given opportunities in the India A tour of Australia recently but failed to cement her place. With Pratika Rawal flourishing as Smriti Mandhana’s partner at the top, the selectors opted for continuity over experimentation. Rawal has been consistent since her debut, piling up runs at an impressive average, making her the first-choice opener.
Chief selector Neetu David clarified that Shafali still remains in the long-term plans, but the World Cup has come too soon for her return. According to David, experience in the domestic and A-team circuit will help Shafali grow and eventually reclaim her spot. For now, India will march into the World Cup with Mandhana and Rawal forming a stable opening duo.
India World Cup is missed- Renuka and Amanjot boost India’s bowling attack
The biggest positive for India is the return of pacer Renuka Singh Thakur. Out of international cricket since late 2024 due to a stress fracture, Renuka’s comeback strengthens India’s pace attack. Known for her sharp new-ball spells, she will be expected to strike early alongside Kranti Goud, who impressed in the recent England series.
Allrounder Amanjot Kaur also returns after nursing a back injury. While she has been rested from the preparatory ODI series against Australia, she is expected to play a crucial role during the World Cup. Amanjot’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds balance to India’s middle order and lower-order stability.
India’s squad looks settled and balanced
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and the selectors emphasized stability, preferring to stick with players who have built chemistry over the past year. Along with Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, and Harmanpreet herself, India’s batting looks experienced yet fresh with first-timers like Rawal.
In the spin department, India will rely on Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and newcomer Sree Charani. The trio is expected to control the middle overs, with Sneh Rana providing further depth. Richa Ghosh will continue as the first-choice wicketkeeper, backed up by Yastika Bhatia, who also adds strength as a left-handed batter.
The squad carries a mix of experience and new energy. Jemimah Rodrigues, who missed out on the last World Cup, will be playing her maiden ODI World Cup, while Harleen Deol, Kranti Goud, and Sree Charani will also feature in the global event for the first time.
India World Cup is missed by youngsters in standby list
While Shafali Verma headlines the notable exclusions, others like Tejal Hasabnis, Sayali Satghare, and Minnu Mani also missed out on the final 15. However, they remain part of the standby list, giving India backup options in case of injuries or unexpected changes.
India’s World Cup history has been bittersweet. The women’s team has reached the finals twice, in 2005 and 2017, but a title still eludes them. With the 2025 edition being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the pressure and excitement will be at an all-time high. Fans will expect nothing less than a strong campaign on home soil.
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Conclusion:
India World Cup is missed by Shafali Verma, but the selectors have put together a squad that blends experience, form, and balance. With Renuka Singh and Amanjot Kaur returning to strengthen the bowling, Smriti Mandhana leading from the top, and Harmanpreet Kaur steering the middle order, India enters the tournament with a settled unit. Whether this stability can finally deliver India its maiden ODI World Cup remains the big storyline as the tournament begins on September 30.
