India's Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Renuka Singh Thakur returns, Shafali Verma fails to make comeback
India announced their Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad with Renuka Singh Thakur making a comeback, while explosive opener Shafali Verma was left out in a surprising selection call.
Last Updated: 06.11 PM, Aug 19, 2025
India have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, to be hosted at home from September 30. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. The biggest talking points from the announcement are the return of Renuka Singh Thakur and the exclusion of star opener Shafali Verma, a move that has sparked debate across the cricketing community.
Renuka’s inclusion is a major boost. The swing bowler, who had been sidelined due to injury, has been a consistent match-winner for India with her ability to strike early in the powerplay. Her recovery and subsequent return add depth to India’s pace attack, which also features rising star Kranti Goud, whose six-wicket haul against England in July made headlines. The bowling unit, complemented by all-rounder Radha Yadav, looks well-rounded heading into the tournament. She is also one of the best fielders in the team.
On the batting front, the selectors rewarded Pratika Rawal for her consistent domestic and international form. Rawal’s stability at the top of the order has given her the edge over Shafali, who despite her explosive ability, has struggled for consistency in recent ODIs. With Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet forming the core, India will hope the blend of aggression and stability clicks during the World Cup.
India's squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia and Sneh Rana.
Shafali Verma’s Omission Sparks Debate
The absence of Shafali Verma is the headline decision. Chairperson of selectors Neetu David explained that while Shafali remains an integral part of India’s long-term plans, her inconsistent returns in the 50-over format made it hard to justify her selection. Instead, the selectors have opted for Rawal’s reliability. Shafali’s exclusion, however, leaves India without a natural power-hitter at the top, which could prove costly in pressure matches.
"Shafali played the Australia A series. She’s in the system; it is not like that she’s not. We’ve got our eyes on her. Hope she plays a lot more and garners experience, it’ll help serve India in the 50-overs format in the future. We want a long career from Shafali," said chairperson of selectors Neetu David.
India’s spin attack remains their biggest strength, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, and Shree Charani providing variety. Alongside them, wicketkeepers Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia will share duties behind the stumps, giving the team flexibility. The squad also includes Amanjot Kaur, who is recovering from injury but is expected to regain fitness before the tournament.