BCCI will unveil the 15-member squad for the home Women’s World Cup 2025 starting next month. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a strong contingent which will hope to break their duck at ICC tournaments. The Women in Blue have enjoyed a good run in recent times but selector Neetu David has some tough decisions to make.
India Women World Cup squad: Renuka Singh likely to return
The Indian cricket board are expected to unveil the squad for the women’s world cup starting in September. Most of India’s squad picks itself, with India enjoying a comprehensive series win over England. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will be heavy lifters in the batting order as captain and vice-captain. Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma are certainties. Despite criticism of her strike rate, Harleen Deol is expected to hold onto her spot given her recent exploits vs the West Indies.
Much of India’s bowling will depend on the selection of Renuka Singh. When fit, Renuka is amongst best exponents of new ball bowling. However, the 29-year-old hasn’t featured since the WPL after injury. She will the ODIs against Australia and the warm up games to get back to full speed. Will BCCI take that punt, remains to be seen. Should India opt against Singh, Arundhati Reddy is the most viable pacer. Kranti Goud has guaranteed herself the second seamer slot with her 6-fer in England. Amanjot Kaur would make up the 3rd seam option, leaving Reddy’s chances bleak.
Shafali Verma to miss out?
Shafali Verma’s struggles for runs will do her no favours when the selectors sit down to select India’s squad. Her average of 23 after 29 ODIs is lacklustre compared to her peers. The 21-year-old could have forced herself through her performances for India A vs Australia, but managed a solitary 50 in 3 50-over games.
Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal has made the opening spot her own. In 14 ODIs, Rawal averages 54 at a healthy strike rate of 87. The 24-year-old has 6 50+ scores in 14 innings, marking her consistency. She has formed a good partnership with Mandhana at the top of the order. India could still pick Shafali as a backup batter. However that is complicated by Yastika Bhatia, who covers the position and is backup to Richa Ghosh.
Probable India Women’s World Cup squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, N Shree Charani, Renuka Singh, Kranti Goud, Yastika Bhatia, Arundhati Reddy/Shafali Verma
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