With the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup kicking off in just days, excitement is building around India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur. She’s gearing up for her fifth appearance in the tournament, but this time, she’s leading the team for the first time in a 50-over World Cup. Hosting the event at home adds extra pressure, much like MS Dhoni in 2011 and Rohit Sharma in 2023, when they steered India to memorable runs on familiar pitches. Can Harmanpreet create her own legacy and help India claim their first title?
In a candid chat with , former India captain Anjum Chopra opened up about Harmanpreet’s leadership, the team’s batting lineup, and key player returns. Here’s what she had to say.
On Harmanpreet’s chance to shine: “She’s in a great spot right now,” Chopra said. “Harmanpreet leads by example, and she’s seen it all—scoring big in losses and sticking around through tough times. Over the last eight or nine months, she’s grown as captain and batter, giving everyone confidence for the big stage.” With this possibly being her last 50-over World Cup at home, Chopra believes it’ll fire her up even more. “An Indian captain has to leave a mark—nothing less than guiding the team to victory.”
Shifting to the top order, selectors left out explosive opener Shafali Verma, sticking with Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol. Both have been slow starters lately, so does that mean Smriti Mandhana needs to attack from the get-go? “Batsmanship has evolved,” Chopra explained. “In the first five to 10 overs, India aims to avoid losing wickets while keeping a solid run rate—no more just consolidating early on.” She praised how Pratika and Mandhana have clicked in their styles, which is why Shafali missed out. “It’s about adapting, not forcing aggression. If India posts 300-plus and feels it’s defendable, that’s a win—whether Mandhana fires first or not.” With chases like the near-miss against Australia pushing 320, the batters must stay sharp.
The return of pace ace Renuka Singh Thakur is a game-changer. “It’s a massive boost,” Chopra stressed. India’s spin attack looks strong with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, and a more settled Charani, letting them tweak plans based on opponents. But pace was thin without Renuka—relying too much on Kranti Goud, with Amanjot Kaur in and out. “In a 50-over format, you need bowlers who can go full quota and field for 50 overs. Renuka eases that load—just hope she stays fit.”
Speaking of Amanjot Kaur, how will India handle her workload after her England injury? “She has to play every game,” Chopra insisted. The all-rounder brings batting, bowling, and fielding punch, covering multiple roles. Rest might come in a lighter match, but otherwise, she’s essential—especially for her World Cup debut. “Keep her fit, and she’ll be ready to go.”
Finally, Yastika Bhatia’s knee injury is a setback, with uncapped Uma Chetry stepping in as replacement. “It’s tough,” Chopra noted. “Yastika gave options if Richa Ghosh struggled with the bat, but Richa’s the top keeper anyway.” Uma won’t likely open or keep initially; she’d bat lower and shine behind the stumps. The lack of another left-hander makes life easier for rival bowlers, but Chopra stays positive: “At least the core 11 or 12 players are set—no big disruptions to start the tournament.”
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