Introduction
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad has ignited debates, with Shafali Verma’s exclusion stealing headlines. As India prepares to co-host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup from September 30 to November 2, 2025, the 15-member squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, blends veterans and fresh talent. The tournament’s revised schedule sees Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium replacing Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium due to a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL celebrations, shifting India’s key matches, including the opener against Sri Lanka to Guwahati. Why was Shafali left out? Who are the rising stars? How did the Women’s Premier League (WPL) shape this team?
This article dives into the squad, exploring Shafali’s omission, the emergence of players like Pratika Rawal and Kranti Goud, and Renuka Thakur’s comeback after injury. We’ll also analyze WPL’s role, preview India’s opener against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, and detail the updated schedule with Navi Mumbai hosting crucial games. With stats, fan reactions from X, and streaming details, this guide is your go-to for India’s quest for their first ODI World Cup title. Whether you’re a passionate cricket fan or new to the game, join us to uncover the drama and excitement of India’s 2025 campaign on “IPL Star”!
Shafali Verma’s Exclusion: Why Was She Dropped?
Shafali Verma not in India World Cup squad 2025 The biggest shock in India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad is the absence of Shafali Verma, the explosive opener known for her aggressive batting. Despite scoring 36, 4, and 52 for India A in Australia, the 21-year-old was overlooked. So, what went wrong?
Shafali’s ODI form has been inconsistent since her last senior appearance against New Zealand in October 2024, where she struggled with a 24.67 average across 21 matches. Her T20I comeback on the England tour, where she was the second-highest run-getter, wasn’t enough to sway selectors for the 50-over format. Chief selector Neetu David explained, “Shafali is in our system… the more she plays, the more experience she gains.” This hints at a focus on her long-term growth, possibly for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Fans on X are divided. A post from @CricketFan123 (August 19, 2025) reads, “Shafali Verma dropped again? India needs her firepower!” Others, like @CricLover99, argue, “Pratika Rawal’s consistency makes sense for ODIs.” Rawal, with 703 runs in 14 ODIs at a 54.07 average, secured the opener’s slot alongside Smriti Mandhana, outshining Shafali’s flair with reliability.
What’s next for Shafali? More domestic and India A matches could refine her ODI game. Her absence leaves a void in India’s top order, but it opens doors for new talent. Can she bounce back? Share your thoughts in the comments!
New Faces in India’s Squad: Rising Stars to Watch
India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad introduces exciting debutants like Pratika Rawal, Kranti Goud, and Harleen Deol, alongside returning players like Jemimah Rodrigues. These stars, shaped by WPL 2025, add depth to Harmanpreet Kaur’s team. Here’s who to watch.
Pratika Rawal: The New Opener
Pratika Rawal India cricket 2025 Pratika Rawal replaced Shafali Verma, earning her spot with 703 runs in 14 ODIs since debuting against West Indies in December 2024. Her 54.07 average and 85.3 strike rate make her a perfect foil for Mandhana. Rawal’s 320 runs in 10 WPL 2025 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore showcased her ability to anchor innings.
Kranti Goud: The Pace Sensation
Kranti Goud Women’s ODI World Cup debut Kranti Goud stunned with a six-wicket haul in England’s ODIs, cementing her role as a powerplay bowler alongside Renuka Thakur. Her 12 wickets in 8 WPL 2025 games for UP Warriorz highlighted her swing bowling prowess.
Harleen Deol and Others
Harleen Deol, slotted at No. 3, brings consistency with 450 runs in her last 10 ODIs. Jemimah Rodrigues, absent in 2022, returns after scoring 400 runs for Mumbai Indians in WPL 2025. Allrounders Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy, plus spinners Radha Yadav and Sree Charani, complete the debutants.
Table 1: Key Stats for New Players in India’s 2025 World Cup Squad
| Player | Role | ODIs Played | Runs/Wickets | Average | Key WPL 2025 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pratika Rawal | Opener | 14 | 703 runs | 54.07 | 320 runs, 10 matches |
| Kranti Goud | Pacer | 5 | 10 wickets | 20.50 | 12 wickets, 8 matches |
| Harleen Deol | Batter (No. 3) | 12 | 450 runs | 37.50 | 280 runs, 9 matches |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Middle-order Batter | 25 | 800 runs | 36.36 | 400 runs, 10 matches |
| Arundhati Reddy | Allrounder | 8 | 5 wickets | 25.00 | 10 wickets, 7 matches |
These players are ready to shine in Navi Mumbai and beyond. Who’s your top pick? Vote in our poll below!
WPL’s Role in Shaping India’s 2025 World Cup Squad
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has been pivotal for India’s World Cup squad. Jemimah Rodrigues said on Star Sports (August 2025), “WPL gives us the platform to play fearless cricket.” Let’s see how WPL shaped this team.
Players like Pratika Rawal, Kranti Goud, and Jemimah Rodrigues thrived in WPL 2025. Rawal’s 320 runs for RCB showed her class, while Goud’s 12 wickets for UP Warriorz proved her mettle. Jemimah’s 400 runs, including two fifties for Mumbai Indians, marked her comeback. Amanjot Kaur (150 runs, 8 wickets for Delhi Capitals) and Arundhati Reddy (10 wickets for Gujarat Giants) also benefited from WPL’s intensity.
Table 2: WPL 2025 Stats for India’s World Cup Players
| Player | WPL Team | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pratika Rawal | RCB | 320 | – | 10 |
| Kranti Goud | UP Warriorz | 30 | 12 | 8 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Mumbai Indians | 400 | – | 10 |
| Amanjot Kaur | Delhi Capitals | 150 | 8 | 9 |
| Arundhati Reddy | Gujarat Giants | 100 | 10 | 7 |
WPL’s high-stakes environment prepared players for international pressure. Harmanpreet Kaur noted, “WPL has given us depth.” Compared to ODI stats, WPL performances show consistency (e.g., Rawal’s 32.0 WPL average vs. 54.07 in ODIs). This synergy makes India a formidable unit.
Renuka Thakur’s Comeback: India’s Pace Spearhead Returns
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Renuka Thakur’s return to India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad is a game-changer. Out since December 2024 with a stress fracture, the pacer is back to lead the attack. Neetu David called her “a precious player,” and fans are excited for her role in Navi Mumbai’s matches.
Renuka’s last ODI saw her take 3/25 against West Indies. Her swing bowling will be key in the powerplay alongside Kranti Goud. After rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, she’s named in the Australia ODI series (September 14-20, 2025, Mullanpur and Delhi). Harmanpreet Kaur said, “Renuka and Kranti give us an edge in the powerplay.”
Timeline: Renuka Thakur’s Comeback Journey
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2024 | Stress fracture sidelines Renuka |
| March 2025 | Begins rehab at BCCI CoE |
| July 2025 | Returns to domestic cricket |
| September 2025 | Named in Australia ODI series squad |
| September 2025 | Selected for World Cup 2025 |
X posts show fan excitement, like “Renuka Thakur is back! India’s bowling looks lethal!” (@CricLover, August 19, 2025). Her 35 wickets in 20 ODIs make her vital for India’s title hopes. Can she dominate in Navi Mumbai? Share your predictions!
India vs. Sri Lanka: World Cup 2025 Opener Preview
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad India kicks off their Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 against Sri Lanka on September 30 at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium, a change from the original Bengaluru venue due to permitting issues. This opener sets the stage for India’s home campaign. Let’s preview the match.
Key Player Matchups
- Smriti Mandhana vs. Chamari Athapaththu: Mandhana’s 3,500 ODI runs face Sri Lanka’s star batter, who scored 150 runs in the recent tri-series.
- Renuka Thakur vs. Vishmi Gunaratne: Renuka’s swing could trouble Sri Lanka’s young opener.
- Deepti Sharma vs. Kavisha Dilhari: Deepti’s 90 ODI wickets may outfox Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Head-to-Head Stats
India has won 8 of their last 10 ODIs against Sri Lanka, but the tri-series showed Sri Lanka’s fight.
Table 3: India vs. Sri Lanka ODI Head-to-Head
| Metric | India | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 10 | 10 |
| Wins | 8 | 2 |
| Last Meeting | India won by 45 runs (2023) |
Prediction
India’s balanced squad and home crowd in Guwahati favor a 30-50 run victory, but Athapaththu’s form could challenge them.
Venue Guide: ACA Stadium, Guwahati
Guwahati’s ACA Stadium offers a balanced pitch. Fans can visit nearby Kamakhya Temple or stay at hotels like Radisson Blu. Expect warm weather (28°C) for the match.
Navi Mumbai Replaces Bengaluru: Venue Change Impact
The ICC announced on August 22, 2025, that Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium will replace Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium due to the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s failure to secure permissions after a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL title celebrations in June 2025. India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Navi Mumbai will host three league matches, including India vs. New Zealand (October 23) and India vs. Bangladesh (October 26), a semi-final, and potentially the final (unless Pakistan qualifies, moving it to Colombo).
X posts reflect fan reactions: “Navi Mumbai steps up! Excited for DY Patil Stadium!” (@CricketBuzz, August 22, 2025). The venue change shifts India’s opener to Guwahati, impacting logistics but not team strategy. DY Patil’s batting-friendly pitch suits India’s aggressive top order.
India’s Full World Cup Schedule and How to Watch
India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 journey spans multiple venues, with Navi Mumbai and Guwahati playing key roles. Here’s the updated schedule and viewing details.
Table 4: India’s World Cup 2025 Match Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 30 | Sri Lanka | ACA Stadium, Guwahati | 2:00 PM |
| October 5 | Pakistan | R Premadasa, Colombo | 2:00 PM |
| October 9 | South Africa | ACA-VDCA, Vizag | 2:00 PM |
| October 12 | Australia | ACA-VDCA, Vizag | 2:00 PM |
| October 19 | England | Holkar Stadium, Indore | 2:00 PM |
| October 23 | New Zealand | DY Patil, Navi Mumbai | 2:00 PM |
| October 26 | Bangladesh | DY Patil, Navi Mumbai | 2:00 PM |
How to Watch
- TV: Star Sports 1, 2, and HD channels.
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (live and on-demand).
- International: ICC.tv for global viewers.
- Tickets: Available on BookMyShow or ICC’s website.
FAQs
- Where to watch India vs. Pakistan? Stream on Disney+ Hotstar or watch on Star Sports.
- What time is India vs. Sri Lanka? 2:00 PM IST, September 30, Guwahati.
Which venue will India shine in most? (Options: Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Vizag, Colombo, Indore). Vote below!
Conclusion
India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad is poised for glory, blending stars like Smriti Mandhana with new talents like Pratika Rawal and Kranti Goud. Shafali Verma’s exclusion shocked fans, but WPL 2025 has molded a strong unit. Renuka Thakur’s return bolsters the bowling, while Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, replacing Bengaluru, hosts key matches like India vs. New Zealand. The opener against Sri Lanka in Guwahati sets the stage for India’s home campaign.
With pacers Renuka and Goud, spinners Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, and a solid batting lineup, India looks formidable. Harmanpreet Kaur said, “This team has been performing well… WPL has given us depth.” The venue shift to Navi Mumbai adds excitement, with DY Patil’s pitch favoring India’s batters. Can India win their first ODI World Cup? Follow “IPT Star” for updates and share your predictions below!
FAQs: India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad
1. Why was Shafali Verma not included in India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad? Shafali Verma not in India World Cup squad 2025 Shafali Verma was excluded from India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad due to inconsistent ODI performances since her last senior game against New Zealand in October 2024. India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Despite scoring 36, 4, and 52 for India A in Australia, selectors chose Pratika Rawal’s 703 runs at 54.07. Neetu David noted, “Shafali is in our system,” eyeing her for future events like the 2026 T20 World Cup.
2. Who are the new players in India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad?
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Pratika Rawal India cricket 2025 India’s 2025 squad includes debutants Pratika Rawal (opener, 703 ODI runs), Kranti Goud (pacer, six-fer in England), Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, and Sree Charani. Their WPL 2025 performances, like Rawal’s 320 runs for RCB, secured their spots in Harmanpreet Kaur’s team.
3. How did WPL impact India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad selection?
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad WPL impact on India Women’s World Cup 2025 squad The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 shaped India’s squad by boosting players like Pratika Rawal (320 runs, RCB), Kranti Goud (12 wickets, UP Warriorz), and Jemimah Rodrigues (400 runs, Mumbai Indians). Jemimah credited WPL for building confidence, preparing players for the World Cup’s high-pressure matches.
4. What is Renuka Thakur’s role in India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad?
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Renuka Thakur, back after a stress fracture since December 2024, is India’s lead pacer. Her swing bowling will target powerplay wickets alongside Kranti Goud. She’s also in the Australia ODI series (September 14-20, 2025), making her crucial for India’s World Cup campaign.
5. Why was Bengaluru replaced by Navi Mumbai for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025? India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was dropped due to the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s failure to secure permissions after a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL celebrations in June 2025. Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium will now host three league matches, including India vs. New Zealand (October 23), a semi-final, and potentially the final.
6. Where will India play their matches in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025?
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad India’s matches include Sri Lanka (September 30, Guwahati), Pakistan (October 5, Colombo), South Africa (October 9, Vizag), Australia (October 12, Vizag), England (October 19, Indore), New Zealand (October 23, Navi Mumbai), and Bangladesh (October 26, Navi Mumbai). The shift from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai affects two India games.
7. How can I watch India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 matches?
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Watch India’s matches on Star Sports (TV) or stream live on Disney+ Hotstar. International fans can use ICC.tv. Tickets for games like India vs. New Zealand in Navi Mumbai are available on BookMyShow or the ICC website.
8. What is India’s full schedule for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025?
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad India’s schedule includes Sri Lanka (September 30, Guwahati), Pakistan (October 5, Colombo), South Africa (October 9, Vizag), Australia (October 12, Vizag), England (October 19, Indore), New Zealand (October 23, Navi Mumbai), and Bangladesh (October 26, Navi Mumbai). Check our article for the full table.
9. Who replaced Shafali Verma in India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad?
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad Pratika Rawal replaced Shafali Verma as Smriti Mandhana’s opening partner. Rawal’s 703 runs in 14 ODIs at 54.07, bolstered by her WPL 2025 form with RCB, gave her the edge over Verma’s inconsistent ODI record.
10. What are the key matchups in India vs Sri Lanka Women’s World Cup 2025 opener? India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad India vs Sri Lanka on September 30 in Guwahati features matchups like Smriti Mandhana vs. Chamari Athapaththu, Renuka Thakur vs. Vishmi Gunar atne, and Deepti Sharma vs. Kavisha Dilhari. India’s strong bowling could secure a 30-50 run victory at ACA Stadium.