**ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Decoding India’s Strongest XI**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 28, 2025, 01:58 PM*

Co-hosts India enter the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 as one of the tournament favorites, with the competition set to begin on September 30. For the first time in a Women’s World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the Indian side, with star opener Smriti Mandhana appointed as her deputy.

The team boasts a well-balanced combination of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent, making it a formidable unit. Let’s break down India’s strongest XI ahead of the big event.

### Top Order Batters: Mandhana, Rawal, Deol
India’s top order features Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol. Mandhana has been in excellent form, having scored the most WODI runs for India since the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, where India finished fifth.

Emerging talent Pratika Rawal has already accumulated 802 WODI runs at an impressive average of 50.12. Harleen Deol, too, has found form at the perfect time, adding valuable runs to the top lineup.

### Middle Order Strength
The middle order comprises captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh. Harmanpreet, Deepti, and Jemimah have all maintained averages above 38 this year, while their strike rates have surpassed 100, showcasing their ability to score quickly.

Deepti Sharma has been outstanding in 2025, amassing runs at a remarkable average of 76.20, solidifying her all-round credentials. Richa Ghosh has excelled in the finisher’s role with a strike rate of 130.26, providing India with explosive batting in the latter stages.

### Bowling Attack
Sneh Rana strengthens the lower order with her all-round capabilities. Her accurate off-spin and resilient batting have been invaluable in tight situations. Alongside Rana and Deepti Sharma, off-spinner Radha Yadav is expected to play a key role, especially considering the slow pitches typical of India and Sri Lanka.

The pace attack will be led by the returning Renuka Singh Thakur, whose comeback is a significant boost for the team. Kranti Goud, another pace bowler who has been a revelation recently, is likely to complete the bowling setup.

### Final Playing XI for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
India’s best playing XI for the tournament is:
– Smriti Mandhana
– Pratika Rawal
– Harleen Deol
– Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
– Jemimah Rodrigues
– Deepti Sharma
– Richa Ghosh (Wicket-keeper)
– Sneh Rana
– Renuka Singh Thakur
– Kranti Goud
– Radha Yadav

This squad perfectly blends experience with youth, offering a deep batting lineup and a versatile bowling attack. India’s balanced team composition makes them strong contenders as the Women’s World Cup 2025 kicks off.
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