The road to the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begins with a blockbuster three-match ODI series between India and Australia, starting Sunday in New Chandigarh. For Harmanpreet Kaur’s India, it is both a dress rehearsal and a litmus test. A chance to measure themselves against the most dominant side in women’s cricket history. For Alyssa Healy’s Australia, it is about regaining rhythm and fine-tuning combinations after a long break.
India eyeing breakthrough against a nemesis
It has been 17 years since India last beat Australia in an ODI at home. In the last five years, they have managed just one win in 10 encounters. Yet, Harmanpreet struck a defiant note on the eve of the series.
“We are a team that has worked hard throughout the year and are improving day by day. We were working hard [to beat them before]. But now, we have worked a lot on fielding and fitness, and results are starting to show. No doubt, they [Australia] have been very dominating, they have played well all over the world and dominated. But we are also as a stage where, as a captain, we have the belief we can beat them on any day.,” she said to reporters before the first ODI in Chandigarh.
That belief comes on the back of a strong run of form. India have lost only two of their last 11 ODIs, including a rare series victory in England earlier this year. The side is fitter, sharper in the field, and crucially more settled than at any point in recent memory.
With Renuka Singh back from injury to lead the pace attack and youngsters pushing through, India now have the depth to not just challenge but compete consistently. Harmanpreet also hinted at rotation across the series to ensure the entire squad is primed for the World Cup starting September 30.
India Women’s Squad for Australia ODIs & World Cup
Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Uma Chetry, Sayali Satghare
