NEW DELHI: Harmanpreet Kaur will captain India for the first time in a 50-over World Cup, with the BCCI announcing the ODI squad for the marquee event. Star opener Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain, as India prepare to open their campaign against Sri Lanka on September 30.
Opener Shafali Verma has missed out on selection, while Renuka Thakur has earned a place in the 15-member squad after a lengthy injury layoff.
The pace spearhead is set to make her international comeback in the three-match ODI series against Australia in September, ahead of the World Cup. She had been sidelined with a foot injury following WPL 2025, ruling her out of the tri-series in Sri Lanka, and has not featured since.
India have enjoyed a near-flawless run against most opponents—barring arch-rivals Australia - since the start of 2024. Harmanpreet's side registered series wins at home against South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and Ireland, and also sealed a 2-1 victory over England in their recent away series.
They further strengthened their preparations by clinching the tri-series in Sri Lanka, overcoming both the hosts and South Africa. Their final tune-up before the World Cup will come in the upcoming ODI series against reigning champions Australia.
The first two matches of the three-game series will be played in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on September 14 and 17, with the final ODI scheduled for Delhi on September 20.
ODI World Cup Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK) and Sneh Rana
ODI squad for Australia series: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Sneh Rana
