Harmanpreet Kaur to Lead India in Women’s World Cup 2025; Shefali Verma Misses Out

Mumbai Aug 2025 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the Indian women’s squads for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia and the Women’s World Cup 2025. The biggest surprise came with the omission of young opener Shefali Verma, who failed to secure a spot in the 15-member World Cup squad.

India will be led by seasoned campaigner Harmanpreet Kaur, with star batter Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. Promising all-rounders Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol have been rewarded for their consistent performances, earning World Cup call-ups. Renuka Singh Thakur, who impressed with her recent bowling displays, also finds a place in the team.

Selectors have further backed emerging talents Kranti Gaur and Shri Charani, both of whom shone in the limited-overs series against England earlier this year. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, who missed out on the ODI squad against Australia, has been included in the World Cup lineup, providing India with depth in the middle order.

The India-Australia ODI series will begin on September 14 in New Chandigarh, with the second match scheduled at the same venue on September 17. The final ODI will be played in Delhi on September 20. Following this series, the focus will shift to the Women’s World Cup 2025, which kicks off on September 30. India will play Sri Lanka on the opening day, setting the tone for their campaign.

India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 Squad:

Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Kranti Gaur, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Shri Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Sneh Rana.

India’s ODI Squad vs Australia:

Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Kranti Gaur, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Shri Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Sneh Rana.

With a balanced mix of experienced stalwarts and rising stars, India will aim for a strong campaign on home soil, as excitement builds toward the World Cup showdown.

Team Maverick.