Why Were Renuka and Amanjot Selected While Shafali Verma Was Left Out of the Women's World Cup?
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Synopsis
The Women's World Cup squad selection has ignited discussions, especially with the inclusion of injured players like Renuka Singh and Amanjot Kaur while Shafali Verma misses out. With the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the stakes are high for the team led by Harmanpreet Kaur. What does this mean for India's chances?
Key Takeaways
- Renuka Singh Thakur and Amanjot Kaur included despite injuries.
- Notable absence of Shafali Verma from the squad.
- Squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur.
- Focus on team balance and continuity.
- Upcoming series against Australia starts September 14.
Mumbai, Aug 19 (NationPress) The selection committee for the women's national team has announced the inclusion of pacer Renuka Singh Thakur and allrounder Amanjot Kaur, both currently recovering from injuries, in the squad for the Women's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Notably absent from the World Cup squad and the upcoming three-match series against Australia is opener Shafali Verma, who has been excluded despite her participation with the India A team in Australia. Players Tejal Hasnabis, Shuchi Upadhyay, and Sayali Satghare, who participated in the recent ODI series against England, have also been omitted from the 15-member squad, which will be captained by regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
The selectors have shown confidence in Pratika Rawal, who has been partnering with Smriti Mandhana as an opener since last year and has made a positive impression in her 14 ODIs.
“The squad is very balanced, and we don't want to disturb too many things before the World Cup. We have Renuka and Kranti [to bowl] in the power-play, then Shree Charani, Deepti, and Radha to bowl in the slog overs, with Sneh Rana in the middle-overs. We wanted to ensure continuity,” explained skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. She and selector Neetu David described the meeting as “the shortest” and expressed hopes that this selection would be the most successful yet.
Meanwhile, Amanjot Kaur will be resting for the three-match ODI series against Australia leading up to the World Cup. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur clarified that she is at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence “working on a few small niggles.” Amanjot has been dealing with a recurring back injury that has flared up during the recent ODI series in England.
Although Renuka has faced injury challenges and hasn’t played since the WPL 2025, she has been included in the squad for the Australia series, starting on September 14 in New Chandigarh. Satghare will also participate in the three ODIs against Australia but will make way for Amanjot for the World Cup.
The series against Australia will serve as a crucial opportunity for Renuka to regain match fitness ahead of the World Cup.
“Amanjot has performed well recently, and that’s why we’ve given her a break (in the Australia series) to ensure she is fully fit for the World Cup,” remarked Neetu David.
“Renuka is an invaluable player for us. She may have faced some niggles and been sidelined, but she’s now available. She’s a key player. It’s fantastic that she’s part of the team,” she added.
The remainder of the selections align with expectations, with newcomers Kranti Goud and spinner N. Shree Charani, alongside Pratika Rawal, getting their first opportunity to compete in a World Cup.
Goud has emerged as a strong alternative for the injured pacer Pooja Vastrakar after being the top wicket-taker in the England ODIs. She will join Renuka, Amanjot, and Arundhati Reddy in the pace attack.
Allrounder Sneh Rana, who made an impressive return during the Sri Lanka tri-series, and Shree Charani are the two specialist spinners selected, along with Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.
Harleen Deol, noted for her recent batting consistency, is anticipated to hold the No. 3 spot, with Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues following at No. 4 and 5, respectively. Harman expressed her eagerness to bat at No. 4.
Harmanpreet acknowledged the significance of the upcoming World Cup for her as it marks her fifth edition.
“This is a home World Cup, making it personally significant for me. I aim to give my best this time. We are all thrilled for the World Cup,” stated Harmanpreet, expressing her hopes to lead India to their first women’s World Cup title on home soil.
India's World Cup squad:
Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh Rana
World Cup standbys: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare
India squad for Australia ODIs:
Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, N. Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh Rana.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the selectors' strategic decisions. By including players recuperating from injuries, they aim for a balanced team, focusing on experience and performance potential. The absence of Shafali Verma raises questions about the team's depth and adaptability. As always, we stand with the nation, supporting our athletes in their journey toward success.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shafali Verma left out of the squad?
Despite her active participation with the India A team in Australia, Shafali Verma was not included in the final squad due to the selectors' decision to prioritize other players.
What are the reasons behind including injured players?
Selectors believe that experienced players like Renuka Singh Thakur and Amanjot Kaur can contribute significantly to the team's performance once they recover fully.
Who will lead the Indian team in the World Cup?
The Indian team will be led by regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur during the Women's World Cup.
When does the series against Australia start?
The series against Australia will commence on September 14 in New Chandigarh.
What is the significance of this World Cup for Harmanpreet Kaur?
This World Cup is particularly important for Harmanpreet Kaur as it marks her fifth edition as captain, and she aims to lead India to its first title at home.
