Renuka Singh’s stress-fractured back has mended in time for the World Cup, and Amanjot Kaur’s own niggles seem under control, so both quicks are in India’s 15-strong squad for the tournament that starts on 30 September. Shafali Verma, still out of favour in one-day cricket, remains on the sidelines.
Before the World Cup, India host Australia for three ODIs from 14 September in New Chandigarh. Renuka will play that series; Amanjot will not. “She’s at the Centre of Excellence, ‘working on a few small niggles’,” captain Harmanpreet Kaur explained – the short quote telling its own story. Sayali Satghare takes Amanjot’s place against Australia and will make way once the World Cup begins.
Key selections
• Renuka and Amanjot strengthen a pace group that already features Kranti Goud – leading wicket-taker against England last month – and Arundhati Reddy.
• Off-spinner Sneh Rana, excellent on her return during the Sri Lanka tri-series, joins fellow spinners Radha Yadav and Shree Charani.
• Pratika Rawal, who displaced Shafali last year, stays at the top of the order with Smriti Mandhana.
• Harleen Deol’s run of useful scores keeps her at No. 3; Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues anchor the middle.
• Richa Ghosh keeps wicket, with Yastika Bhatia in reserve.
Who missed out
Shafali’s omission no longer shocks. Her strike-rate is undoubted, her recent 50-over numbers less so. Tejal Hasnabis, Shuchi Upadhyay and the aforementioned Satghare, all tried against England, drop to the standby list.
Tournament context
India, co-hosts alongside Sri Lanka, have never lifted the women’s ODI trophy, though finals in 2005 and 2017 proved they can run deep. Home advantage, a balanced seam-spin attack and Mandhana’s world-class batting look the obvious pillars this time. Still, concerns linger: Renuka has not bowled an international over since December, Amanjot’s back flared only weeks ago, and the middle order is yet to string together a defining series.
Pace bowling depth
Four frontline seamers feels plenty for sub-continental surfaces, yet India have gambled on fitness. Renuka’s outswing is irreplaceable; if her back protests again, the attack suddenly tilts on rookie shoulders. Amanjot offers new-ball control and lower-order runs, but the management clearly want her fresh for the main event.
Spin options
On turning tracks, Rana’s high-rev off-breaks complement Deepti Sharma’s accuracy and Charani’s leg-spin variation. Radha’s left-arm orthodox gives Harmanpreet a stock bowler. Opponents may still target India’s death overs, an area where none of the spinners has nailed a reputation.
Batting shape
Rawal and Mandhana should provide brisk starts. Harleen’s technique at first drop has tightened, though she is yet to convert 30s into 80s consistently. Harmanpreet and Rodrigues are seasoned, Richa an attacking keeper-batter who can shift gears. If India chase big totals, that quintet must deliver; there is limited power beyond No. 6.
Standby group
Satghare, Hasnabis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry and Minnu Mani will train with the squad. Only Satghare owns recent ODI overs, but the others offer cover should injury strike.
Imperfect but hopeful
The squad feels logical, if short on left-field picks. Selectors resisted the temptation to rush Shafali back, preferring stability. Whether prudence beats boldness will unfold over the next six weeks.
India 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.
India squad v Australia (ODIs, 14-19 Sept)
Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, N. Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh Rana.
World Cup opens 30 September, Colombo.
