The wonder women who made history in Navi Mumbai: A look at India’s 2025 World Cup heroes
With the spotlight firmly on them at home, India’s women cricketers scripted a remarkable journey during the 2025 ODI World Cup, blending resilience, flair and collective resolve. Surviving early setbacks and mounting pressure, the team captured the nation’s imagination through record-breaking chases, dramatic comebacks and standout individual brilliance. Each squad member — from seasoned stars to inspiring newcomers — played a crucial role in a campaign that promises to redefine the future of Indian women’s cricket. A brief look at what each player brought to the table.
SMRITI MANDHANA
India’s Smriti Mandhana plays a shot during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final match between India and South Africa in Navi Mumbai, India, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
India’s vice-captain and premier opener, Smriti has been the backbone of the batting lineup in the World Cup. With a century against New Zealand and swashbuckling fifties against Australia and England, she’s been consistent and classy. In the semifinal, she became only the second Indian woman to score 1000 ODI runs against Australia, joining Mithali Raj in an elite club. She continues to be India’s most dependable run-getter. A veteran of over a decade in international cricket, Smriti managed to balance aggression with stability during the World Cup.
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES
India’s Jemimah Rodrigues celebrates after winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup cricket semi final against Australia in Navi Mumbai, India, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)
The Mumbai girl scripted one of the greatest World Cup knocks with an unbeaten 127 in the semifinal against Australia, anchoring India’s record chase of 339. Dropped earlier in the tournament, she returned with grit and grace, forming a 167-run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur. Her journey — from playing street cricket to national stardom — is marked by resilience, faith and flair. A former U-17 hockey player, Jemimah’s calm under pressure and ability to find gaps made her India’s most reliable middle-order batter.
HARLEEN DEOL
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – NOVEMBER 01: Harleen Deol of Indiaduring the India net session at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 01, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Born in Chandigarh and raised in Himachal, Harleen’s cricketing journey began by following her brother. Known for her stylish strokeplay, she was a consistent contributor in India’s World Cup campaign. Her 46 vs Pakistan and 48 vs Sri Lanka helped stabilize India’s top order. A viral sensation for her gravity-defying catch in 2021, Harleen brings flair and finesse.
PRATIKA RAWAL
Navi Mumbai: India�s Smriti Mandhana brings teammate Pratika Rawal on a wheelchair as the team arrive to receive winning medals during the presentation ceremony after winning the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, at the DY Patil Stadium, in Navi Mumbai, early Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil) (PTI11_03_2025_000077B)
A psychology graduate from Jesus & Mary College in Delhi, Pratika’s rise has been meteoric. A former basketball gold medallist, she became the joint-fastest Indian to cross 1000 ODI runs and scored a crucial maiden World Cup century against New Zealand. Pratika’s temperament and technique impressed one and all. Unfortunately, an ankle injury ruled her out before the semifinal against Australia, but her impact on India’s campaign was profound.
AMANJOT KAUR
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – NOVEMBER 02: Amanjot Kaur of India celebrates with team mates after taking the catch to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa (not pictured) during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Daughter of a carpenter/woodwork contractor, Amanjot played hockey, football and handball growing up before going on to focus on cricket. A late bloomer, she made her ODI debut in 2023 and quickly became India’s crisis specialist. Her 57 vs Sri Lanka and match-winning boundaries in the semifinal against Australia showcased her composure. Her ability to finish games and bowl tight spells made her a vital cog in India’s World Cup machine.
DEEPTI SHARMA
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – NOVEMBER 02: Deepti Sharma of India celebrates after taking the wicket of Chloe Tryon of South Africa (not pictured) during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
India’s spin allrounder and tactical lynchpin, Deepti finished as the highest wicket-taker in the World Cup. She also became the second Indian woman to reach 150 ODI wickets. She joined an elite club of players with over 2000 runs and 150 wickets in women’s ODIs. A left-handed batter and off-spinner who hails from Agra, Deepti’s calmness and control has anchored India Women in the middleovers. From a middleclass family, her rise involved overcoming societal barriers, often training alone at dawn.
RICHA GHOSH (WICKETKEEPER)
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – NOVEMBER 02: Richa Ghosh of India bats during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Hailing from Siliguri, West Bengal, the fearless wicketkeeper-batter lit up the World Cup with a blistering 94 vs South Africa. which made her a fan favorite. With a career strike-rate of more than 103, Richa is India’s designated finisher. A U-19 World Cup winner and WPL champion, her 26 off 16 balls in the semifinal, including two massive sixes, were matchturning moments.
HARMANPREET KAUR (CAPTAIN)
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – NOVEMBER 02: Harmanpreet Kaur of India poses for a photograph with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy after her team’s victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
India’s leader and emotional anchor, Harmanpreet delivered a stirring 89 in the semifinal against Australia, battling cramps and pressure. Her leadership, forged through heartbreaks in 2017 and 2022, matured into calm authority this time at India’s home World Cup. A trailblazer from Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet’s aggressive style shaped India’s fearless brand. Her intensity, motivational presence and ability to rally from three consecutive defeats transformed India’s campaign.
SHREE CHARANI
CHESTER-LE-STREET, ENGLAND – JULY 22: India bowler Shree Charani (r) celebrates after taking the wicket of England batter Sophie Ecclestone during the 3rd Women’s Metro Bank ODI match between England and India at Banks Homes Riverside on July 22, 2025 in Chester-le-Street, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
From Erramalle village in Andhra Pradesh, Shree Charani emerged as India’s spin revelation during the World Cup. A left-arm orthodox, her control and maturity under pressure impressed one and all. Her middle-overs stranglehold curbed opposition batting line-ups. She also showcased gun fielding skills. Shree Charani’s rise was fueled by her mother’s belief and her uncle’s support.
UMA CHETRY (WICKETKEEPER)
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – OCTOBER 26: Amanjot Kaur of India celebrates with teammate Uma Chetry after taking the wicket of Shorna Akter of Bangladesh during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 match between India and Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Hailing from Bokakhat, Assam, Uma became the second woman from her state to play ODIs for India, debuting in the World Cup match against Bangladesh. A gritty wicketkeeper-batter, she rose through Assam’s domestic ranks, often walking miles to practice. Her sharp glove work and quiet determination earned her a WPL contract and national call-up. Though she didn’t feature prominently during the World Cup, her journey symbolizes the expanding reach of Indian women’s cricket.
SNEH RANA
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA – OCTOBER 12: Sneh Rana of India bowls during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 match between India and Australia at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Visakhapatnam, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
From Dehradun’s hills to World Cup glory, off-spinner Sneh Rana’s journey is one of resilience. After a career-threatening knee injury in 2016, she returned to become one of India’s most reliable spin-bowling allrounders. Her calm demeanor and tactical bowling choked rival line-ups. Her 33 with the bat against SA, and 2/38 vs Pak proved vital.
ARUNDHATI REDDY
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – NOVEMBER 02: Harmanpreet Kaur of India (L) celebrates with team mate Arundhati Reddy (R) after taking the catch to dismiss Nadine De Klerk of South Africa and lead her team to victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
She was just 12 when she started playing cricket. Seeing her enthusiasm, Arundhati’s mother, a former volleyball player, enrolled her in a cricket academy. A former wicketkeeping aspirant, she was nudged into pace bowling. Her energy and swing with the new ball added variety to India’s attack.
KRANTI GAUD
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – OCTOBER 30: Kranti Gaud of India celebrates after taking the wicket of Alyssa Healy of Australia (not pictured) during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Semi-Final match between India and Australia at DY Patil Stadium on October 30, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
The youngest of six from a family in Ghuwara, a small town in Bundelkhand, Kranti’s rise has been spectacular. A tennis-ball cricket prodigy, she made her ODI debut in May 2025 and in her fourth match stunned England with 6/52 at Chester-leStreet. Her 3/20 in the high-voltage match against Pakistan earned her the Player of the Match.
RENUKA SINGH
NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – NOVEMBER 02: Renuka Singh of India reacts as Ayabonga Khaka of South Africa runs between the wicket during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Hailing from Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, Renuka’s swing and discipline made her India’s pace spearhead. In the World Cup, her early breakthroughs vs New Zealand and Bangladesh set the tone. Renuka’s inswing and calm demeanour mirror her idol Jhulan Goswami. After a stress fracture in 2024, her comeback story showcased a never-say-die attitude.
SHAFALI VERMA
India’s Shafali Verma plays a shot during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final match between India and South Africa in Navi Mumbai, India, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
A prodigy from Rohtak, Shafali, who debuted for India at the age of 15, was initially not picked in India’s 15-member squad. The injury to Pratika Rawal during India’s last league stage match paved the way for her recall. In the semifinal against Australia, she started on a bright note. In the final, she hit a classy 87. It was redemption time.
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RADHA YADAV
Navi Mumbai: India’s Radha Yadav plays a shot during the ICC Women’s World Cup final ODI cricket match between India Women and South Africa Women, at the DY Patil Stadium, in Navi Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil) (PTI11_02_2025_000441B)
Born in a modest family in Mumbai, where her father used to sell vegetables, Radha’s journey is one of grit and grace. A left-arm spinner known for her fielding brilliance, she played her first match of the World Cup in India’s final league stage game against Bangladesh, claiming 3/30. In the semifinal, she got the vital wicket of Australia’s talisman Ellyse Perry.
