The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is returning to India after a 12-year hiatus. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, carrying the hopes of a nation eager for its first women’s ICC title.
Ranked third in the world, India enters the tournament brimming with confidence, following series victories over England in both ODIs and T20Is, and a competitive pre-tournament series against seven-time champions Australia, narrowly losing the final ODI while chasing 413 in New Delhi.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been in sensational form and will anchor India’s batting. The left-hander has scored four ODI centuries this year, including back-to-back hundreds against Australia, averaging 66.28 with a strike rate of 115.85. Alongside young Pratika Rawal, she forms a reliable opening partnership, providing stability in Shafali Verma’s absence.
Captain Kaur, playing her fifth World Cup, brings invaluable experience, with a tournament average above 50. Jemimah Rodrigues adds calm and composure to the middle order, while Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, and Amanjot Kaur complete a versatile batting line-up.
India’s bowling, however, remains a potential concern. Renuka Singh Thakur returns from injury to lead the pace attack, supported by Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, and Amanjot Kaur—who together have just 25 ODI caps. Injuries have disrupted preparations, with Reddy missing warm-up games and Amanjot recovering from a minor setback.
The spin department—Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, and N Sree Charani—could thrive in home conditions, although flatter pitches may limit their impact. India’s mental resilience will also be tested, having narrowly lost major finals in the past, including the 2017 World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, both to Australia.
A home World Cup victory could significantly boost investment in women’s cricket, strengthen calls for pay parity, and inspire young girls across the country. With five of India’s eight league matches played on home soil, they will enjoy the advantage of familiar conditions and passionate crowd support.
India Women have historically dominated Sri Lanka in ODIs, winning 31 of 35 encounters, making them strong favourites for Tuesday’s opener.
