India Announce Women's World Cup 2025 Squad Without Shafali Verma

The Indian women's cricket team announced its team for the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 and one of the biggest points of discussion is the omission of young batter Shafali Verma. Although Shafali has been an exhilarating player for India and scored some pointers in recent series she has not been a part of the 15 member team. Instead, India have proceeded with a combination of some seasoned campaigners and young fresh faces who have impressed in recent times. The exclusion of Shafali has sparked surprise but the selectors are of the view that the selected team has the right balance for a tournament as large as the World Cup.

Renuka Thakur's comeback has been a big boost to India since the pace spearhead has been out of action for months because of a foot injury. She had missed the tri series in Sri Lanka following the Women's Premier League this year and hasn't played since then. Now back to full fitness she is ready to make her return in the three match ODI series against Australia in September which will be an important build-up for the World Cup at home. Her capacity to pick the new ball and deliver breakthroughs has been key in the past and her comeback will bolster India's pace attack.

Pace bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur has also been added to the World Cup team but she has been given a break for the series against Australia. She picked up a back niggle while playing the England tour, which kept her out of commission for the second half of the series. While she recovers still, Sayali Satghare has been brought in for the Australia ODIs. Apart from this exchange, there is no change in the team playing the World Cup and playing the Australia series. Satghare has been reliable domestically and this brief experience is useful exposure though her primary function will be that of a stand by option.

Shafali Verma's omission is noteworthy since she had displayed potential in the T20 series in England where she emerged as the second highest run scorer. She also represented India A in Australia making 36 4 and 52 in three matches which was her first 50 over assignment since being dropped after the New Zealand series in Ahmedabad last season. The selectors have reaffirmed that Shafali is in their plans. Chief selector Neetu David said that she is very much part of the system and the board expects her to gain more experience and make a stronger return in the future. For now though the team has chosen consistency and current form as the guiding factors.

In Shafali’s absence the opening slot has gone to Pratika Rawal who will partner vice captain Smriti Mandhana. Rawal has been the most consistent of the batters ever since she made her debut against West Indies last December. In 14 innings she has registered 703 runs with an average of more than 54, which is quite astonishing for someone as new at the international level. Her capacity to hold together the innings and ensure stability has persuaded the selectors to trust her over the more senior Shafali. With Mandhana's style and Rawal's strength, the opening partnership seems set.

The World Cup team has players who will be appearing in their debut World Cup. Jemimah Rodrigues, who was out of form and missed the 2022 edition, has battled back and will be competing in her first ODI World Cup. Harleen Deol will bat at number three position and all rounders Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy along with spinners Radha Yadav and Sree Charani will all be going through this phase for the first time. Pacer Kranti Goud is also an exciting entrant having shone in England with a stunning six wicket haul. These new faces inject youth and balance to the team.

Not all who went to England have been able to keep their place. Batter Tejal Hasabnis and Sayali Satghare have both fallen out of the final World Cup team. Neither of them played in England and although Hasabnis played in the India A tour of Australia she was only able to score 28 runs in three innings which was insufficient to get her a place. Selectors have decided to leave the team almost similar to the one against England with not much change.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was optimistic about the team stating that the spine has been around for a long time and has done well during recent tours. She feels the team seems balanced and does not need many changes ahead of such a crucial tournament. Chief selector Neetu David also shared a similar sentiment reiterating that continuity and form are important in gaining momentum in the run-up to a home World Cup.

India's early attention will be on the three match ODI series in September against Australia which will be a rehearsal for the World Cup. The first two matches will take place at Mullanpur New Chandigarh on September 14 and 17 while the third game will be played in Delhi on September 20. These games will give the last chance to the players to get their form right and adapt to conditions before the major event.

The World Cup starts on September 30 with India as hosts pitting Sri Lanka in the first match. The World Cup is sure to be a talent show with many young players having the opportunity to make their presence felt at the largest platform. India will be depending on proven names such as Harmanpreet Mandhana Deepti Sharma and Renuka Thakur and also hoping on the energy of Rawal Jemimah and the rest who are featuring in their first World Cup.

Although Shafali Verma's non-availability can be disappointing to her fans the team is a mix of dependability and novelty. It is constructed on players who have tested their form in the last few months and have demonstrated the temperament to manage pressure. With home conditions and good crowd support India will seek to capitalize on this chance and make an attempt at their first ever ODI World Cup title. The selectors have emphasized performance consistency and team balance and the hope is that this group of players can rise to the occasion and deliver memorable performances for the country.