ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Decoding India’s Strongest XI

By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 28, 2025, 01:58 pm

As co-hosts, India enters the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 as one of the tournament favorites. The competition is set to kick off on September 30, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team for the first time in a Women’s World Cup. Star opener Smriti Mandhana will serve as her deputy. India’s squad is a well-rounded unit, blending experienced players with emerging talent. Let’s decode India’s strongest XI for the upcoming tournament.

Top Order Batters: Mandhana, Rawal, Deol

India’s top order looks formidable with Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol occupying the top three spots. Mandhana has been prolific, scoring the most WODI runs since the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand where India finished fifth. Young sensation Rawal has impressed with 802 WODI runs at an outstanding average of 50.12. Harleen Deol has also found her form at the right moment, adding crucial runs to the lineup.

Strong Middle Order

Following the top three, India’s middle order includes captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh. Harmanpreet, Deepti, and Jemimah have demonstrated consistency, averaging over 38 and maintaining strike rates above 100 in WODIs this year. Deepti Sharma has excelled with the bat and ball, accumulating runs at an incredible average of 76.20 in 2025. Richa Ghosh has emerged as a dependable finisher, boasting a strike rate of 130.26 in the ongoing year.

Bowling Attack

Sneh Rana adds depth to the lower order with her valuable off-spin and resilient batting, proving crucial in tight situations. Alongside Rana and Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav is expected to be the other spinner in the XI, especially given the slow pitch conditions in India and Sri Lanka. The return of Renuka Singh Thakur to spearhead the pace attack is a significant boost to India’s bowling arsenal. Kranti Goud, who has been a revelation with the ball, is set to complete the pace lineup.

Final Playing XI for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

• 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 presents the perfect balance of experience and youth, combining strong batting depth with versatile bowling options. As India co-hosts the event, expectations are high for this well-equipped team to perform at their best in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-s-probable-xi-in-2025-women-s-world-cup/story