India, under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy, will be one of the favourites to lift the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, starting from September 30, 2025. Harmanpreet Kaur is set to lead India for the first time in the Women’s World Cup with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy.
The stage is all set, and all eyes are on India. As co-hosts of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 alongside Sri Lanka, the team is once again chasing a dream that has slipped away too many times. India have already hosted the tournament three times, in 1978, 1997 and 2013, yet the trophy has never found its way home.
India had come close, finishing runners-up in 2005 against Australia and in 2017 against England, but heartbreak has always followed. This time, under Harmanpreet Kaur, playing her fifth ODI World Cup but captaining for the first time, India will be desperate to turn that lingering hope into long-awaited triumph.
 India Team News
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India for the first time ever in the Women’s ODI World Cup this year, and she would like to enter her name in the history books by lifting the World Cup trophy on November 2. Star left-handed opening batter Smriti Mandhana will be Harman’s deputy, and the Indian squad also includes Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh and Renuka Singh Thakur, among others.
While regulars like Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh have made it to the main squad, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur have been rewarded for their consistent performances in the last two years. Shafali Verma’s exclusion from the squad was the other big headline. In subcontinent conditions, they are expected to produce some big results. But ahead of that mega event, here is the SWOT analysis of the team.
India enters the 2025 ODI World Cup with a formidable and refreshingly settled batting order. Shafali Verma’s axing has forced Smriti Mandhana to unlock a new attacking gear, much to her opponents’ chagrin. India has shown that it can up the tempo at will and has been able to unlock scores of 300-plus with ease. India also has one of the strongest spin attacks in this World Cup, with the experienced Deepti, Sneh Rana, and gutsy youngsters like N. Sree Charani in the ranks.
SWOT Analysis for Team India
Strengths :
Opening Partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal :Â
The opening partnership between vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal is going to be the backbone of India’s success. Whether it is setting up a big total or chasing down a tricky target, the team will rely heavily on this pair to provide solid starts — something they have consistently delivered since January 2024.
In just 14 innings together, Mandhana and Rawal have scored 1,086 runs at an outstanding average of 77.57. Their partnership includes six fifty stands and four century partnerships, making them the only duo to cross the 1,000-run mark during this period.
Their numbers in home conditions are even more impressive. In six innings in India, they’ve added 701 runs together at a staggering average of 116.83. This includes one fifty partnership and as many as four century stands.
Pratika’s arrival has also brought a visible change in Mandhana’s batting approach. Mandhana has shown greater attacking intent this year. For the first time in her ODI career, she has struck at over 100 in a calendar year. In 11 innings in 2025 so far, she has scored 628 runs at an average of 57.09, including two centuries and two fifties, with a strike-rate of 107.53.
One of India’s biggest strengths going into the World Cup is their new opening pair – Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Since coming together during the West Indies series in December 2024, the duo has been nothing short of sensational. In just 17 innings, they’ve piled up 1,302 runs at an impressive average of 76.58, scoring at a healthy run rate of 6.11.
This partnership has also allowed Mandhana to play with more freedom. For the first time in her ODI career, she has scored at a strike rate of over 100 in a calendar year. Rawal, on the other hand, has made a dream start, becoming the fastest woman cricketer to reach 500 ODI runs, achieving the feat in only 8 innings. She currently averages over 50, a sign of her consistency at the top.
Mandhana’s form has been even more striking, as she recently tore apart the defending champions Australia, scoring 300 runs in just 3 innings to seal the Player of the Series award. Together, the pair have already stitched five century stands and two half-century stands at home, a record that makes them one of the most reliable opening pairs heading into the World Cup.
Spin the Strongest weapon for India on Indian soil :
Another big strength for India is their spin department, which is set to play a major role on home pitches. With conditions expected to grip and slow down, especially in the middle overs, spinners could be the game-changers for the hosts.
In sub-continent conditions, spinners are always expected to play a decisive role, and for the upcoming World Cup, India have a strong spin attack. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, the spin department looks capable of turning games in India’s favour.
India have a well-rounded spin unit in Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, and the emerging talent N. Charani. Sneh Rana, who returned to the setup earlier this year in the tri-series in Sri Lanka, has been outstanding, picking up 21 wickets in just 11 games. Deepti, the most experienced of the lot, will once again carry the responsibility of controlling the flow of runs. In 2025, she has already bagged 17 wickets while maintaining a very tidy economy rate of 4.87, something that could prove crucial in pressure situations.
The group includes senior pros like Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, alongside Radha Yadav and rising youngster N Sree Charani. Charani’s rise has been one of the biggest positives for India this year. In just eight ODIs so far, she has already picked up nine wickets, maintaining a steady economy rate of 5.56.
Among the more experienced names, Rana has been India’s standout performer with the ball in 2025. She has taken 18 wickets in just eight innings at an excellent economy of 4.60, including one four-wicket haul and a five-for. Deepti, in second position, has 13 wickets in 11 innings at an economy of 4.55 this year. Hence, their ability to pick wickets in the middle overs could set the tone for the team.
Adding variety, N. Charani has impressed after breaking into the national side on the back of her performances for Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2025. The left-arm orthodox spinner has taken 9 wickets in 9 games so far, with a steady economy of 5.68. With Radha Yadav adding further depth, India’s spin attack looks balanced, and it could well be the key to putting opposition batting line-ups under pressure during the World Cup.
Weaknesses :Â
Lack of variety in the bowling unit :
One major concern that stands out for India is the lack of variety in both the fast bowling and spin departments. The attack looks effective but somewhat predictable. In the pace unit, the Women in Blue will miss the element of raw speed that can rattle batters. With Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Goud, India have new-ball specialists who can swing it both ways and cause early damage.
Arundhati Reddy brings her clever, slower balls into play, making her a handy option in the middle overs. However, none of them can consistently bowl at high pace, which might make this attack easier for strong batting line-ups to counter in conditions where swing is limited. Also, it will be challenging in the death overs.
Despite developing a promising pace-bowling unit, India remains somewhat thin in the seam department. Renuka Singh’s return from injury brings with it the inevitable concern of ring rust. Arundhati Reddy is diligent but can be expensive, while Amanjot Kaur still carries fitness concerns. Kranti Goud has been a revelation, yet none of these options offers India the reassurance of genuine express pace.
The spin department, too, has a similar issue. Deepti and Rana are both right-arm off-spinners, while Charani and Radha bowl left-arm orthodox. The absence of a frontline leg-spinner could limit the team’s attacking ability.
Interestingly, India do have two leg-spinners in the reserves — Priya Mishra and Prema Rawat. The inclusion of at least one of them in the main squad could have provided skipper Harmanpreet Kaur with more flexibility and tactical options.
No wrist spinners in the Lineup :
While India’s spin attack looks solid on paper, it does have one clear gap- the absence of a frontline wrist-spinner. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana both bowl right-arm off-spin, while Radha Yadav and N. Charani are left-arm orthodox spinners.
Finger spinners tend to be more predictable, and experienced batters can often settle against them once they get set. On slower tracks they may still be effective, but if the surfaces offer less turn or play true, India could find it hard to take wickets in the middle overs. With Priya Mishra and Prema Rawat waiting in the reserves, India may look back and wonder if leaving out a wrist-spin option cost them an important edge.
Injury to hamper India’s chances in the World Cup :
Injuries are part of the game, but having key players sidelined or struggling for rhythm right before a World Cup is far from ideal. India finds themselves in this tricky situation.
Once considered the leader of India’s pace attack, Renuka Singh Thakur has only just returned after her injury in the WPL 2025. She did feature against Australia recently and picked up three wickets, but her rhythm and consistency will be crucial if she is to make an impact in the tournament.
India have already suffered a big blow with wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia ruled out due to a knee injury picked up during the preparatory camp in Vizag. Her absence has opened the door for young Uma Chetry, who is yet to make her ODI debut, an untested option in such a high-pressure tournament.
Amanjot Kaur, the team’s only pace-bowling all-rounder, also missed the Australia series and, while named in the World Cup squad, will need time to find her best rhythm. To add to the list, pacer Arundhati Reddy suffered a blow to the left leg during the warmup game against England as concerns grow over her availability.
Opportunities :Â
The absence of legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami marks a new era in women’s cricket history in India, one that could not be taking place in a better setting than a World Cup at home. For many players who have never been part of a World Cup squad before, it is an opportunity for them to showcase themselves on the biggest stage.
Players like Harleen Deol, Charani, and Amanjot Kaur have a great opportunity to shine on the biggest stage in the World Cup. Team India’s management has backed Harleen a lot and shown faith by playing her in the crucial No. 3 spot.
With Yastika Bhatia ruled out of the competition due to a knee injury, it is now almost certain that Harleen will be the No. 3 batter. She has produced some good performances in recent times. So far, she has scored 584 runs in 16 innings, averaging 38.93, including one fifty and one century. She will now look to play longer innings more frequently, and for that, she needs to convert her 20s and 30s into 70s, 80s, or even a century.
Harleen Deol, who continues to be backed into playing as No.3, will need to play anchor in case an opener gets out early, and build partnerships with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. It is important that she doesn’t let her nerves get the better of her, as shown in the 3rd ODI against Australia when she handed her wicket away, just as the scoring rate started to elevate.
Richa Ghosh, who dons the keeper gloves, is expected to balance her keeping responsibility with her natural power hitting ability. This is a prized chance for India to break the jinx and finally be crowned as ‘World Champions’.
Charani is expected to shine with her spin, while Amanjot, the all-rounder, brings the much-needed balance to the squad, which could be crucial in critical situations during the World Cup. And with this being a home World Cup, it is a huge opportunity for Harmanpreet’s team to go all the way and lift their maiden World Cup trophy.
Threats :
The major threat for this team in the upcoming World Cup will be fitness. For the last one and a half years, skipper Harmanpreet has faced fitness issues on several occasions, including neck and knee issues. Hence, her workload management will be key.
Players like Amanjot (back injury) and Renuka (stress fracture) are making comebacks after injury lay-offs. Renuka has not played any competitive cricket since the WPL, and her fitness will be truly tested in the upcoming three-match home ODI series against Australia. Amanjot has also been added for that series, and how she performs if given an opportunity in the playing XI at the World Cup remains to be seen.
While India’s woeful fielding continues to pose problems, the bigger issue is its frequent inability to see plans through. Faced with 413-run target against Australia, India began in dominant fashion, with the Aussies gasping for air for nearly half the chase. But, as it often has in the past, India lost the plot. Add to that the pressure of a home World Cup. There’s barely any margin for error. Additionally unfamiliar ‘home’ venues grates away much of the advantage that comes with being a host.
A major hurdle for India, undoubtedly, will be the pressure associated with playing at home. The euphoria is enormous, but so are the expectations, and they carry enormous weight. This team has shown that its bases are covered – with a win in the Sri Lanka tri-series, beating England in white-ball series (ODIs and T20Is both) for the first time, and it has given Australia a tough fight, but the World Cups have always tested their nerves in the past.
The real challenge will be to remain calm, trust their preparation, and back themselves, so that their talent and hard work can translate into performances, instead of being stifled by pressure. India has arrived at this World Cup with a dream in their hearts. The pressure is great, but the opportunity is equally as great. Finally, they will have a chance to claim glory that they have been chasing for some time now.
India’s squad for Women’s World Cup 2025:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud
Reserves:Â Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare
India’s schedule at Women’s World Cup 2025:
September 30, 2025: vs Sri Lanka – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
October 5, 2025: vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 9, 2025: vs South Africa – ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 12, 2025: vs Australia – ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 19, 2025: vs England – Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
October 23, 2025: vs New Zealand – Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
October 26, 2025: vs Bangladesh – Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Prediction for India’s Team in World Cup 2025