Every World Cup selection comes with a sense of both elation and despair, and India’s squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 continues this history. The inclusion of Renuka Thakur is significant and brought excitement among fans, while the omission of Shafali Verma has left many in disbelief. After pursuing her brand of aggressive opening in the T20 format and continuing this into the 50-over game without success, the selection committee grapples with a difficult question: Is the selection brave, or will this selection be a gamble that India will regret? Let’s unpack.
The Shafali Conundrum
Shafali’s exclusion doesn’t come from nowhere. Shafali has had a turbulent 12 months; dropped from the ODI side after an awful series against New Zealand last October; then bounced back in great style in the T20I leg of the England tour where she finished as the second-highest run-scorer; not to mention two 36 and 52 for India A in her recent series in Australia – all factors which suggest that she is still in the picture.
However, the selectors found her to be lacking consistency in the 50-over format. Instead, they chose Pratika Rawal as the second opener (with Smriti Mandhana) after her superb run of 703 runs at an average of 54 since her debut last December. From the selectors’ point of view, you can’t argue with numbers like that! But from a fan’s perspective, rejecting a match-winner like Shafali feels a bit like leaving out firecrackers in Diwali.
Balancing Experience with Fresh Faces
This is a well-balanced World Cup squad, don’t be fooled. Adding to the experience of players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma are some exciting first-timers; Jemimah Rodrigues who now makes her ODI World Cup debut after missing in 2022 along with hopefully some stability in the middle order, Harleen Deol at 3, the allrounders Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, the spinning duo of Radha Yadav and Sree Charani, and the inclusion of Kranti Goud, fresh from a stunning six-wicket return in England.
The selectors are seeking depth in all departments. Now that Renuka Thakur is back leading the fast-bowling unit after injury, India’s bowling looks fast, sure, and very threatening. But if they lose too many games, without the explosive fearlessness of Shafali at the top, all the signs say India are going to go with Mandhana and Rawal to set the tone with their runs. If they fire, there will be no question; if they lose early wickets, you can bet Shafali’s name is trending again.
A Long-Term Play?
Chief selector Neetu David was quick to let everyone know that Shafali is “still in the system.” Translation: she’s not done for. At the age of just 21, she has ample time on her side. Perhaps the thinking is to protect her from the pressures of playing a World Cup at home while getting players who are in better form in the present. It is a gutsy thinking process, focused on consistency and maintaining a team balance over star power. Whether this blows up or pays off will depend on how India navigates high-pressure games, and whether that will come against tougher teams like Australia and England.
To leave Shafali Verma out of a home World Cup squad is a big call, one that could shape India’s campaign. On paper, we have a solid, in-form squad with plenty of experience and exciting young talent, which is a great mix. Only the future can judge if this was an inspired strategy or a failed risk.
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