Fast bowler Renuka Singh and allrounder Amanjot Kaur have made timely returns from injury to feature in India’s Women’s World Cup squad. However, Shafali Verma, who has struggled to secure a spot in the ODI setup since last year, has once again missed out.
The 15-member squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will rely on a mix of experienced names and recent performers. Amanjot, recovering from a back issue, has been rested for the upcoming ODI series against Australia but will be back for the World Cup. Renuka, sidelined since December 2024 with a stress fracture, has been cleared and included for both the Australia series and the tournament.
Selectors overlooked Tejal Hasnabis and Sayali Satghare, both part of the recent England ODIs, though Satghare remains in the Australia series squad. Chief selector Neetu David emphasized Renuka’s importance, calling her a “main player” for India’s bowling attack. She also assured that Shafali remains in the long-term ODI plans despite her omission.
India’s pace department features Renuka, Kranti Goud, Amanjot and Arundhati Reddy. Spin options include Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana and Shree Charani. With Pratika Rawal set to open alongside Smriti Mandhana, India’s batting order looks settled, followed by Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet, and Jemimah Rodrigues. Richa Ghosh is the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Yastika Bhatia as back-up.
Among the standbys are Hasnabis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, and Satghare. All six, along with Shafali, will feature in the India A team’s warm-up against South Africa. India’s main squad faces England in their warm-up clash on September 25.
The Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on September 30. India, finalists in 2005 and 2017, continue their hunt for a maiden title.
