Salvi backs blend of youth and experience as India eye breakthrough Women’s World Cup glory
India’s campaign at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is being driven by a bowling unit that coach Aavishkar Salvi believes is “hungry” to deliver on the biggest stage.
Having opened their home tournament with a 59-run victory over Sri Lanka, the hosts now turn their attention to arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be one of the most anticipated group-stage contests. With the batting anchored by stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, India’s hopes of a maiden Women’s World Cup title may ultimately rest on the sharpness of their attack.
Balance of Experience and Youth
Salvi highlighted the trio of Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Sree Charani as the backbone of India’s bowling plans.
“It’s a very good combination — there’s experience and there’s youth,” Salvi said. “They’ve played together across recent series, and the understanding they’ve built is really working for us. More importantly, they’re extremely hardworking, constantly looking to improve both during and after matches. That hunger is what excites me the most.”
Sneh Rana’s Impact
Off-spinner Sneh Rana has already made her mark, picking up two key wickets against Sri Lanka. Salvi insists her reliability makes her indispensable.
“Sneh is a quality bowler. Wherever she plays, she delivers for India. Performances like the one she had in the opener not only help the team but also give her mental confidence for the tournament ahead,” he explained.
The Rise
Among the younger faces, 22-year-old Kranti Gaud is emerging as a genuine match-winner. With 15 wickets in just eight ODIs, the right-arm quick has quickly built a reputation for delivering breakthroughs.
“Kranti is incredibly hardworking,” Salvi said. “She’s very curious, always asking questions about how to get better — not just physically, but mentally as well. What I admire is that she doesn’t just talk about improvement, she follows it up with action. She thrives on challenges and has shown she’s up for them.”
Title Dreams on Home Soil
India has long been chasing a Women’s World Cup crown to add to its cricketing legacy. With Australia, England, and New Zealand the only past winners, there is a strong sense that CWC25 provides India their best opportunity yet. Playing at home with a dynamic bowling attack could be the formula that finally breaks the drought.
“We want our bowlers to express themselves,” Salvi concluded. “They’re not just talented — they’re hungry. That hunger is what can take us all the way.”
Squads for the India vs Pakistan Clash
India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sneh Rana
Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah