The hosts announced a formidable 15-woman squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, which kicks off on September 30. Harmanpreet Kaur will captain India for the first time, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain.

After a lengthy injury layoff, pace leader Renuka Thakur rejoins the 15-woman lineup, although opener Shafali Verma is a notable absence.

The team’s management considered Amanjot Kaur to be a capable backup when Pooja Vastrakar was sidelined due to a chronic stress injury.

“Amanjot (Kaur) is currently with the India A team in Australia, and she will be in the World Cup squad,” captain Harmanpreet stated during the BCCI headquarters press conference.

During the T20I leg of the England tour, which India won 3-2, the all-rounder was deployed as the second seamer. Amanjot not only bowled seam-ups and took three wickets in 13 overs during the series, but he also hit a remarkable 63 not out to support a struggling innings.

A tri-series victory in Sri Lanka (which also involved South Africa) and a historic series victory in England have given Harmanpreet and company a boost going into the big event.

India will be among the favorites to win the renowned trophy going into this year’s tournament at home, but they will face opposition from teams like four-time winners England and seven-time champions Australia as they try to win their first World Cup.

At this year’s event, Women in Blue will be looking to advance further than they did in 2017, when they advanced to their second Women’s Cricket World Cup Final before narrowly losing to England in an exciting final at Lord’s.

On September 30, India will play their opening match against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

India squad for World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Gaud.