Renuka Singh, Amanjot Kaur Return for Women’s World Cup; Shafali Verma Misses Out

Renuka Singh, Amanjot Kaur Return for Women’s World Cup; Shafali Verma Misses Out

Fast bowler Renuka Singh and allrounder Amanjot Kaur have made a timely return from injury to be included in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. However, former opener Shafali Verma has once again been left out, continuing her absence from the ODI setup.

The squad, announced on Tuesday, features a largely expected core, with no major surprises. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team in their campaign to win a maiden ODI World Cup title, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and beginning on September 30.

Renuka, sidelined since December 2024 with a stress fracture, has regained fitness and is also named in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia that precedes the World Cup. Amanjot, who missed the latter part of the England series due to a back issue, is being rested for the Australia series to recover fully. She is currently undergoing rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and will rejoin the squad for the World Cup.

"She’s working on a few small niggles,” Harmanpreet said when asked about Amanjot’s absence from the Australia ODIs.

Amanjot’s return bolsters India’s all-round options, joining a pace attack led by Renuka, Kranti Goud, and Arundhati Reddy. Goud, the highest wicket-taker in the recent ODI series against England, retains her place in the squad.

India’s spin arsenal will be led by Sneh Rana, who impressed during the Sri Lanka tri-series, and Shree Charani. They are supported by established names like Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.

In the batting department, Pratika Rawal—who replaced Shafali Verma as opener last year—continues to impress with consistent performances in her 14 ODIs. She is expected to open the innings with Smriti Mandhana. Harleen Deol, enjoying a rich vein of form, is likely to slot in at No. 3, followed by the experienced middle-order trio of Harmanpreet, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh.

Yastika Bhatia, making her return after nearly a year, has been included as a backup wicketkeeping option.

While Sayali Satghare, Tejal Hasabnis, and Shuchi Upadhyay were part of the recent England ODIs, they have been left out of the main squad. Satghare, however, will feature in the ODI series against Australia and is listed among the standby players for the World Cup. The other reserves include Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, and Minnu Mani.

India will open their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Sri Lanka on September 30. The Women in Blue have twice reached the final of the ODI World Cup—in 2005 and 2017—but are still chasing their first title.

India's Squad for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup:

  • Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)

  • Smriti Mandhana

  • Pratika Rawal

  • Harleen Deol

  • Deepti Sharma

  • Jemimah Rodrigues

  • Renuka Singh

  • Arundhati Reddy

  • Richa Ghosh

  • Kranti Goud

  • Amanjot Kaur

  • Radha Yadav

  • Shree Charani

  • Yastika Bhatia

  • Sneh Rana

Standby Players:
Tejal Hasabnis, Sayali Satghare, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani

India’s Squad for Australia ODI Series (Starting September 14 in New Chandigarh):

  • Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)

  • Smriti Mandhana

  • Pratika Rawal

  • Harleen Deol

  • Deepti Sharma

  • Jemimah Rodrigues

  • Renuka Singh

  • Arundhati Reddy

  • Richa Ghosh

  • Kranti Goud

  • Sayali Satghare

  • Radha Yadav

  • N Sree Charani

  • Yastika Bhatia

  • Sneh Rana