Shafali Verma Misses Out as India Announce Squad for 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup
India named their squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, with Shafali Verma omitted. Pratika Rawal partners Smriti Mandhana as opener; Renuka Thakur returns
India announced their squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on Sunday, with opener Shafali Verma the notable omission. The tournament, to be hosted in India, begins September 30 with the hosts facing Sri Lanka in their opening match.
Chief selector Neetu David explained that Shafali, 21, remains “in the system” and will continue to gain experience through India A fixtures. Pratika Rawal, who has scored 703 runs at an average of 54.07 since her debut, secures the opening slot alongside vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
“Shafali is currently playing in Australia for India A. She is in our system – it’s not that she’s not in our system,” said chief selector Neetu David. “We have our eyes on her as well. We hope that being more in the system, the more she plays, the more experience she gains and she will serve India in the future.”
Several players are set for their first World Cup appearances, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, and Kranti Goud. Rodrigues missed the 2022 edition but has forced her way back with consistent batting performances.
Renuka Thakur returns from injury and is set to feature in India’s ODI series against Australia (September 14, 17, and 20), a key preparation ahead of the World Cup. Amanjot Kaur, however, has been rested for that series, with Sayali Satghare filling in before Amanjot rejoins for the tournament.
Tejal Hasabnis and Satghare both missed out on the World Cup squad, with Hasabnis’ poor run during the A tour of Australia cited as a factor. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Neetu David both stressed continuity, highlighting that the selected group has been performing well together in recent months.
“Almost the same team played in the England series, and we have been playing together for a long time now. The team looks quite balanced to me,” said skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
India Women’s World Cup 2025 Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (Wicket-keeper), Yastika Bhatia (Wicket-keeper), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur
* Sayali Satghare will replace Amanjot for the three-match Australia series.
