India have named their 15-member squad for the Women’s World Cup, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with pacer Renuka Singh Thakur and allrounder Amanjot Kaur returning from injury.
The biggest talking point, however, is the absence of opener Shafali Verma, who despite playing with India A in Australia, has not been picked. The squad will be led by regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
Tejal Hasnabis, Shuchi Upadhyay and Sayali Satghare, who featured in the recent ODI series against England, have also been omitted.
“Balanced squad” the priority
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the selectors did not want to tinker too much with the core ahead of the home World Cup.
The squad is very balanced, and we don’t want to disturb too many things before the World Cup. We have Renuka and Kranti in the powerplay, Shree Charani, Deepti and Radha in the slog overs, and Sneh Rana in the middle. We wanted continuity.
Selector Neetu David added that the decision-making process was smooth: “It was a very short meeting — the shortest — and hopefully the best one.”
Amanjot rested for Australia series
Amanjot, who has been dealing with a recurring back niggle, has been given additional time to recover. She will miss the three-match ODI series against Australia but will return for the World Cup.
Amanjot has done well in recent times, and that’s why we have given her rest so she can be fully available for the World Cup.
Renuka, who last played in the WPL 2025 before injury sidelined her, has been included in the Australia series starting September 14 in New Chandigarh.
Renuka has been a precious player for us. She had niggles and has been out, but this is a main event. It’s great she’s part of the team.
Young talent gets its chance
The selectors have also kept faith in youngsters. Pratika Rawal, who has consistently opened with Smriti Mandhana, retains her place, while Kranti Goud and spinner N. Shree Charani are set for their first World Cup appearances.
Goud, who replaced injured Pooja Vastrakar in England and finished as the series’ top wicket-taker, will lead the new-look pace attack alongside Renuka, Amanjot and Arundhati Reddy.
Allrounder Sneh Rana, who impressed during the Sri Lanka tri-series, will strengthen the spin department with Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav and Charani.
This World Cup is personal. This is a home World Cup, so it is very important for me at a personal level. I will be giving my best this time too. We are all excited and hoping to bring home India’s first women’s World Cup title.
India’s World Cup squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh Rana. Standbys: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare.
