**ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Decoding India’s Strongest XI**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 28, 2025, 01:58 pm*

As co-hosts of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, India enter the tournament as one of the favorites. The competition is set to begin on September 30, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team for the first time in a Women’s World Cup. Smriti Mandhana, the star opener, will serve as her deputy. India’s squad features a balanced mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, creating a well-rounded unit ready to compete at the highest level.

### Top Order Batters: Mandhana, Rawal, Deol
India’s top order looks solid with Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol occupying the first three batting slots. Mandhana has been a consistent performer, scoring the most WODI runs since the 2022 tournament in New Zealand where India finished fifth. Young sensation Pratika Rawal has impressed with 802 WODI runs at an impressive average of 50.12. Meanwhile, Harleen Deol has been in excellent form recently, adding valuable runs at a crucial time.

### Strong Middle Order
The middle order boasts experienced campaigners like captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh. Harmanpreet, Deepti, and Jemimah have maintained averages above 38 while striking at over 100 in WODIs this year. Deepti Sharma has particularly shone in 2025, amassing runs at a remarkable average of 76.20. Richa Ghosh has excelled in the finisher’s role with an aggressive strike rate of 130.26, making her a key player down the order.

### The Bowling Attack
Sneh Rana adds depth to the lower order with her valuable batting and reliable off-spin. Her ability to contribute crucial runs and tight bowling makes her an asset in pressure situations. Alongside Rana and Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav is expected to be the second spinner, which suits the slow pitches of India and Sri Lanka. The pace attack will be led by the return of Renuka Singh Thakur, providing a significant boost to the team. Emerging pacer Kranti Goud, who has been a revelation, is likely to complete the bowling 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 represents a perfect blend of experience and youth, combining solid batting depth with versatile bowling options. As hosts, India will aim to leverage their home conditions and the balanced team composition to make a strong push for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 title.
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