Can India Women Win the Cricket World Cup?

The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup is officially underway, and India could hardly have asked for a better start.

They defeated Sri Lanka in their opening match, showcasing a balance of power and composure that has long eluded them on this stage.

The victory has sparked conversations about whether this squad, armed with talent and confidence, can finally go the distance.

India have been runners-up twice before, in 2005 and 2017, and for many, those heartbreaks still linger.

Yet this team feels different: more seasoned, more resilient, and perhaps most importantly, more fearless.

The combination of home advantage, a world-class leader in Harmanpreet Kaur, and a batting order brimming with match-winners has created genuine optimism.

But can optimism translate into a trophy?

Positive Reasons

Even before the tournament, there has been a feeling that this is India’s best chance to win the Women’s World Cup.

Two decades of near misses have shaped a side hungry to rewrite history.

Harmanpreet Kaur, a captain who leads by example, embodies this drive. Her team is buoyed by both home advantage and the passionate support that has grown since the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

The WPL has been a game-changer.

Much like the men’s Indian Premier League, it has toughened players mentally and physically. Competing in front of fervent, expectant crowds has forced India’s stars to adapt to pressure.

Now, on the biggest stage, they look well-equipped to thrive.

Recent results add to the optimism.

In the summer, India beat England 3-2 in T20s and 2-1 in ODIs.

Against Australia, the benchmark side of women’s cricket, they pulled off a 107-run ODI hammering, the heaviest defeat in Australia’s history. Days later, India threatened to chase down 413 against the same opposition, underlining their batting firepower.

The squad boasts both flair and depth.

Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma provide stability and leadership. Smriti Mandhana brings elegance and firepower, demonstrated by her 50-ball century against Australia in September. Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh add further dynamism, while the fielding unit looks sharper than ever.

Sky Sports Cricket commentator Charles Dagnall highlighted India’s qualities:

“I thought India were a fabulous side when they came over to England. Full of focus, full of talent and very well led by a real alpha figure in Harmanpreet.

“Their fielding was outstanding, really on it, wanting the ball to come to them and saving a hell of a lot of runs.

“They also have so many batters in that top seven that are a threat, players who can win you a game and who have won games.

“There are very few weak links. I do worry a little about their bowling attack, which I think is lacking a little bit of something. But this is their time and they are primed.”

Who are the Key Figures?

One potential hurdle could be the weight of expectation. The Indian public has high hopes, but this side looks prepared.

Dagnall believes they can embrace the pressure: “They know they are a good side and that a lot is expected, but if they have that belief in themselves, they will be a severe threat to an Australia side with every box ticked.

“I think they will cope better from playing in front of excitable, expectant crowds in the WPL. That tournament has galvanised and unearthed a wealth of young talent.”

India’s talent includes seam bowler Kranti Goud, who has already shown she can deliver under pressure.

Her debut WPL season was a breakthrough, highlighted by dismissing former Australia captain Meg Lanning as part of a 4-25 spell. She followed that up with 6-52 against England and three wickets in India’s crushing win over Australia last month.

At just 22, Goud represents the next generation of Indian cricket. Her swing and yorkers could prove decisive in the World Cup, especially in crunch matches where breakthroughs will matter more than ever.

Alongside her, Deepti Sharma remains the heartbeat of the team.

Her ability to contribute with bat, ball, and in the field makes her arguably India’s most complete cricketer.

If she fires consistently, India will have a powerful edge.

Australia & England Challenge

While optimism surrounds India, perspective is essential.

Australia remain the ultimate force in women’s cricket. They have won seven ODI World Cups and six T20 World Cups.

Their ability to peak at tournaments is unmatched.

England, too, have the pedigree and depth to challenge anyone on their day.

Yet India have shown they can compete with both. The recent results against these giants will instil confidence that this time the gap has closed.

With Mandhana in form, Goud emerging, and Harmanpreet leading with authority, India have more than a fighting chance.

The question is whether they can sustain this level over a long tournament.

Depth in the bowling attack will be tested, and navigating high-pressure knockout matches will require composure.

But compared to past campaigns, India appear more complete, more battle-hardened, and more confident.

India’s World Cup campaign has started strongly, but the real tests lie ahead.

Past failures in finals still cast a shadow, yet the 2025 squad has the tools to break through.

With home advantage, a strong batting order, and match-winners like Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud, belief is growing that this could be their year.

Australia and England will not make it easy, but India’s blend of youth and experience has given them their best chance yet.

If they maintain consistency and handle the pressure, the dream of a first-ever World Cup title might finally become reality.