For the first time in more than a decade, India will host a Women’s World Cup – and the sense of opportunity is palpable. With expectations at their peak and a squad brimming with talent, the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup could represent a once-in-a-generation chance for India to finally end their long wait for an ICC title.
Strong Lead-Up, but Familiar Questions
India enter the tournament with the most match practice among the eight contenders, having played 14 ODIs in 2025. Their 10-4 record includes just one series defeat, against Australia last week. That preparation has brought clarity: a reliable batting order, a versatile spin attack, and a pace unit that, though promising, remains under scrutiny.
Smriti Mandhana’s explosive PowerPlay batting is central to India’s strategy. Her ability to dominate early sets the tone, but this time, the presence of consistent opener Pratika Rawal and a robust middle order offers insurance. From Jemimah Rodrigues’ stroke-play to Richa Ghosh’s finishing skills, the batting unit looks capable of both piling up runs and chasing them down under pressure.
Spin Strength
India’s greatest weapon may be their spin depth. Deepti Sharma leads an experienced group, while youngster Sree Charani has slotted in seamlessly. The only missing piece is a genuine leg-spinner, which could become a factor on tired pitches later in the competition.
The pace unit, however, has question marks. Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Thakur are returning from injuries, and Amanjot Kaur’s fitness remains doubtful. Even with options like Arundhati Reddy and rising quick Kranti Goud, the attack has at times looked unsettled, highlighted by the 400-plus total conceded against Australia in Delhi.
Home Advantage
While playing at home usually guarantees familiarity, India face a unique challenge. Venues like Guwahati, Indore, and DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai have either rarely or never hosted women’s ODIs. That lack of exposure means conditions could feel just as foreign to the hosts as to their opponents.
Fielding, too, has been inconsistent – a weakness that could cost dearly in crunch moments. With the weight of home expectations, how India manage nerves and pressure may matter more than raw skill.
Road to Qualification
India’s campaign in the 2022–25 ICC Women’s ODI Championship was impressive. They finished second with an 18-5 record (plus one tie), narrowly behind Australia. Smriti Mandhana topped the run-scoring charts with 1358 runs, while Deepti Sharma finished as the leading wicket-taker with 42.
Yet, slip-ups against Bangladesh and New Zealand, coupled with a 0-3 defeat to Australia, left them shy of the top spot – a reminder of the fine margins that still separate them from consistent dominance.
Key Player to Watch – Kranti Goud
The 22-year-old pacer has just seven ODIs to her name, but already has a reputation for troubling world-class batters. From a six-wicket haul in England to repeatedly dismissing Australia’s Alyssa Healy, Goud has shown she can deliver in big moments. In a tournament where India’s pace attack could make or break their campaign, her emergence may be crucial.
Marquee Match – October 12 vs Australia, Vizag
India’s rivalry with Australia remains the ultimate litmus test. Their recent high-scoring clash in Delhi – where both teams touched 400 – underscored the balance of power: Australia’s unmatched depth against India’s explosive batting. A win in Vizag would do more than boost points; it could cement belief that India can finally topple the game’s most dominant force.
Redemption After 2022 Heartbreak
India’s last World Cup ended in heartbreak, with a no-ball from Deepti Sharma in the dying moments against South Africa sealing their league-stage exit. This time, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side are determined to ensure history does not repeat itself.
With the talent to win matches and the depth to sustain momentum, India stand on the edge of history. But ultimately, it may not be about skill alone – it will be about handling the pressure of playing a home World Cup.
Predicted Finish: Strong semifinal contenders; capable of reaching the final if batting and spin click in unison.
Full League Stage Schedule
- Sept 30 – vs Sri Lanka, Guwahati (3 PM IST)
- Oct 5 – vs Pakistan, Colombo (3 PM IST)
- Oct 9 – vs South Africa, Vizag (3 PM IST)
- Oct 12 – vs Australia, Vizag (3 PM IST)
- Oct 19 – vs England, Indore (3 PM IST)
- Oct 23 – vs New Zealand, Navi Mumbai (3 PM IST)
- Oct 26 – vs Bangladesh, Navi Mumbai (3 PM IST)