Harmanpreet Kaur to lead India for first time in ODI World Cup as Shafali Verma ignored

Dubai: Senior batter Harmanpreet Kaur will captain India for the first time in an ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, with star opener Smriti Mandhana appointed as her deputy.

One of the biggest surprises in the 15-member squad announced for the marquee tournament, which begins on September 30, was the omission of explosive opener Shafali Verma.

Pace spearhead Renuka Thakur makes a welcome return after a lengthy injury layoff, while Amanjot Kaur has earned a place in the squad, stepping in for the injured Pooja Vastrakar, who is sidelined due to a recurring stress injury.

“Amanjot is currently with the India A team in Australia, and she will be part of our World Cup squad,” confirmed skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

Amanjot impressed during the T20I leg of the England tour, which India clinched 3-2. She featured as the second seamer, claiming three wickets in 13 overs, and also delivered a stunning, unbeaten 63 in a crucial chase, rescuing a faltering innings.

India enter the tournament on home soil with strong momentum, following a tri-series win in Sri Lanka (also featuring South Africa) and a historic series victory in England.

As they aim for their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, India will face stiff competition from seven-time winners and defending champions Australia and four-time champions England.

The Women in Blue will be looking to go one better than in 2017, when they narrowly missed out on the trophy in a dramatic final at Lord’s against England.

India will open their 2025 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on September 30.

India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.