New Delhi, Sep 29 (NationPress) As India prepares for their 2025 Women's ODI World Cup opener against Sri Lanka at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, the squad is significantly influenced by a game-changing factor that was absent in the previous edition of this prestigious event: the Women's Premier League (WPL).

The selections of Charani and Kranti for the World Cup highlight a shift in India’s selection strategy post-WPL. With only a handful of ODI appearances to their names, their exceptional performances in the 2025 WPL have allowed them to step into the national setup sooner than was possible before the advent of the WPL.

Charani’s rise came during India’s series wins in England, showcasing her control, fearlessness, and poise under pressure—traits of a player accustomed to high-stakes situations.

Kranti's journey has been equally remarkable; her performances in the 2025 WPL led selectors to recognize her potential to unsettle batters with her raw pace. After a rapid debut in the tri-series final due to an injury to Kashvee Gautam, Kranti made a significant impact in the ODI series against England, achieving a match-winning six-wicket haul in the decisive game at Chester-le-Street.

“The fact is that we now have more players capable of stepping into the Indian setup. Charani’s immediate entry into the playing eleven and her impressive performance is a testament to that,” said Anjum Chopra, former India captain, to IANS ahead of the World Cup.

“We've seen players like Kranti Goud also making the leap directly from the WPL. The ability to seize such opportunities and gain international exposure is invaluable,” she added.

The influence of the WPL goes beyond just Charani and Goud’s selections. All-rounder Amanjot Kaur made a notable return to the international scene through stellar performances for the 2025 champions, Mumbai Indians, highlighted by a match-winning display against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where she took 3 wickets for 22 runs and scored an unbeaten 34 off 27 balls.

With Pooja Vastrakar sidelined due to a long-term shoulder injury, India has turned to Amanjot as a second seamer in their spin-dominated lineup. Despite managing a back injury during the England ODIs and being rested for the series against Australia and warm-up matches, Amanjot is expected to play a crucial role in key matches.

Arundhati Reddy also secured her World Cup spot, having only nine ODI caps, based solely on her WPL performances. Under Meg Lanning’s captaincy, she has developed into a dependable swing bowler and provides essential batting depth.

Lisa Sthalekar, a former Australian captain and mentor to Kranti during the UP Warriorz' WPL campaign, emphasized how the WPL has opened doors for players in ways that traditional domestic cricket could not. “It has spotlighted players who might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Domestic cricket often limits exposure due to varying team matchups, but the WPL's structure allows talents to shine on a larger stage,” she remarked.

The WPL has not only fast-tracked new talent into the Indian team but has also offered a redemption arc for players like Sneh, who earned her spot as a replacement for the injured Shreyanka Patil and delivered commendable performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“It's encouraging to witness numerous players getting the chance to represent their country based on their WPL success. Sneh Rana’s return to the Indian team is a prime example of how performances in domestic cricket, including the WPL, can pave the way,” she said.

Perhaps the most significant impact of the WPL is that Indian cricketers are increasingly recognizing that multiple pathways exist for joining the national team and potentially participating in a World Cup. “The WPL, as a homegrown initiative, has instilled hope in many players. Succeeding there is not only financially rewarding but also fosters recognition, leading to swift entry into the Indian team or even the India A squad,” remarked Chopra.

“Now, players understand that they need not solely depend on the domestic cricket grind to secure a place on the national team; they can immediately make their mark in the WPL.”

“However, it’s not easy. The pressure of performing alongside international players and the expectations from the crowd can be daunting. Thus, the efforts of young cricketers who excel in such a challenging environment deserve applause for their consistent performances,” she added.

As India embarks on their World Cup journey, the WPL's impact signifies more than just changes in personnel. It represents a fundamental shift in team construction, focusing on match-winners who have proven their mettle in high-pressure elite competitions.

“Without the WPL or its three seasons, we might have been searching for another wicketkeeper or fast bowler to fill a spot without the confidence of them being a potential playing eleven candidate. The WPL has significantly benefitted Indian cricket, fueling the growth of women's sports in the country,” concluded Anjum.

Whether the WPL effect leads India to their long-awaited World Cup triumph remains to be seen, but this squad—shaped by the tournament's accelerated intensity—is unlike any before. For Charani, Kranti, Amanjot, and Arundhati, it exemplifies that a new pathway has emerged, where talent meets opportunity at a rapid pace, including the chance to compete in a home World Cup.