The upcoming limited-overs India Women’s tour of England holds significance on multiple levels. Commencing on June 28, the tour will begin with a five-match T20I series. The T20I series is vital, and India will approach it with the 2026 T20 World Cup in England in mind.
The T20I series will be followed by the ODI series, starting on July 16, 2025. This ODI series carries added significance as it leads up to the ODI World Cup scheduled for September of the same year. With the ODI World Cup in mind, BCCI selectors have announced a well-balanced squad with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side and Smriti Mandhana continuing as her deputy.
Power-hitter Shafali Verma misses out on making the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal, who has had an impressive run ever since her debut and has already amassed 634 runs at a stellar average of nearly 64, continues to partner the vice-captain at the top of the order. The top order also includes the regular No. 3 batter, Harleen Deol. She had a good run in the WPL and also looked strong in the previous ODI tri-series.
Jemimah Rodrigues, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and Richa Ghosh form the core of India’s middle order. The team will hope they maintain their form through to the ODI World Cup. Tejal Hasabnis has been selected as the backup middle-order batter, while Yastika Bhatia will serve as the backup wicketkeeper.
The team finds balance with the inclusion of multiple all-rounders, including experienced campaigners like Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana. Amanjot Kaur adds depth as a fast bowler while also contributing valuable batting firepower in the death overs. Fast-bowling all-rounder Sayali Satghare is also included in the squad. The injured youngster Shuchi Upadhyay has been replaced by left-arm spinning all-rounder Radha Yadav.
The pace department appears to be an area of concern, as regular bowlers like Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Titas Sadhu are absent. The only experienced pacer in the announced squad is Arundhati Reddy, who will be supported by young Kranti Gaud, who has featured in just one ODI so far.
The upcoming ODI series is crucial for India, as it is the team’s final ODI assignment before the multi-nation tournament. As such, the series serves as a key preparation platform ahead of the ODI World Cup scheduled later this year. Additionally, the T20I series will be important for India to find balance, giving Shafali Verma an opportunity to perform strongly and potentially earn her spot back in the ODI setup. This tour offers the team a valuable opportunity to fine-tune strategies and assess player form and fitness. A strong performance in this series will be instrumental in building both confidence and momentum ahead of the World Cup campaign. Furthermore, the series offers selectors a crucial chance to finalise the best XI and test various combinations against high-quality opposition in differing conditions.
India Squad for the Women’s ODI Series Against England:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare
