Shafali snubbed, Renuka returns: Talking points from India Women's World Cup squad
Also Read: Renuka Singh returns in India squad for Women's World Cup, Australia ODIsThe women's side, meanwhile, have twice come within touching distance of glory, finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017, losing to seven-time champion Australia and England respectively.This time, with home support and a hungry squad, India's women eye that elusive title. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the dream of lifting a maiden World Cup glimmers brighter than ever.Prior to the World Cup, India will face Australia in a bilateral ODI series, with matches scheduled in Mullanpur and New Delhi.For now, here are some of the talking points from India's Women's ODI World Cup squad:Shafali Verma's wait prolongs
Shafali Verma has been left out of India's squad. Courtesy: PTI
Shafali Verma's omission was among the biggest surprises, with her last ODI appearance coming in the home series against New Zealand in October 2024. The selectors instead chose Yastika Bhatia as the backup opener behind Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.While the 21-year-old Shafali is currently featuring for India A in Australia, the panel emphasized that she remains under close watch, with her growing experience seen as valuable for India's future in the 50-over format.Speaking on Shafali's snub, Neetu David, India's chief selector, said, 'Shafali Verma is very much part of our system. Right now, she is playing in Australia, but we are keeping an eye on her. The idea is that the more she plays, the more experience she gains, and that will help India in the future, especially in the 50-over format.'Renuka Singh boost for India
Renuka Singh hasn't played for India in 2025. Courtesy: PTI
Renuka Singh has returned to the Indian squad after being sidelined since the Women's Premier League in March. She has not featured for India in 2025, missing the series against Ireland, the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, and the limited-overs tour of England.A stress fracture kept her out of action for five months, but with her selection for the Australia ODI series, Harmanpreet's India are hopeful their premier fast bowler will regain full fitness ahead of the World Cup on home soil.'She's one of the important players, she's at COE, working on a few small niggles. We've rested her for the Australia series so that she can fully be available for the World Cup,' Neetu David said.advertisementProtecting Amanjot for World Cup
Amanjot Kaur won't be a part of the Australia ODI series. Courtesy: PTI
India have taken a precautionary approach with fast-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who is set to play a key role in the Women's World Cup. She has been rested for the Australia series, where Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare will get an opportunity.Amanjot, who sustained a back injury during the ODI series in England, is being managed carefully to avoid a recurrence before the tournament. She is expected to not only support Renuka Singh with the ball, but also make an impact with the bat.'Amanjot Kaur is at the COE (Centre of Excellence) recovering. She won't be part of the Australia ODIs, which is why we included Sayali Satghare for that series. But Amanjot will be fully available for the World Cup,' Harmanpreet Kaur told the reporters.Kranti, Charani rewarded
Kranti Goud picked up 6 wickets in the third ODI vs England. Courtesy: Reuters
When 2025 began, Kranti Goud and Shree Charani were nowhere in contention for national selection. But after impressive maiden stints in the WPL—Goud with UP Warriorz and Charani with Delhi Capitals—the doors to the India team opened for them.advertisementGoud got her break when she made her ODI debut in Sri Lanka, replacing the injured all-rounder Kashvee Gautam. She truly came into her own in England, where she claimed a six-wicket haul in the Chester-le-Street ODI, becoming only the third Indian, after Jhulan Goswami and Jasprit Bumrah, to achieve the feat on English soil.Charani, meanwhile, turned heads in the T20I series against England, bagging 10 wickets in five games and earning the Player of the Series award. In only her maiden T20I series, she justified the selectors' faith and secured her spot in the World Cup squad.No wrist spinners
Prema Rawat is named amongst the standbyes for the World Cup. Courtesy: PTI
India boast a strong spin attack with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani and Radha Yadav in their World Cup squad. However, the leg-spin department remains a concern. With Asha Sobhana ruled out due to injury, India looked at Prema Rawat and Priya Mishra, but both were named only as standbys.advertisementPriya had impressed on the Australia A tour last year before breaking into the senior side, but an underwhelming WPL season—just six wickets in nine games—hampered her chances. Rawat, who represented RCB in WPL 2025, produced two three-wicket hauls against Australia A, yet it wasn't enough to earn her a World Cup call-up.By contrast, teams like England, Australia and New Zealand rely on established leg-spinners such as Sarah Glenn, Alana King and Amelia Kerr. India, still searching for a long-term replacement for Poonam Yadav, risk being exposed by the absence of a specialist leg-spinner in the tournament.- Ends
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