Why is Pooja Vastrakar not a part of India squad for Ladies’s World Cup 2025?

The BCCI announced India’s squad for the Women’s World Cup 2025 on Tuesday. The Neetu David-led panel selected a 15-player squad, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading a strong outfit. Among the most notable absentees were Shafali Verma and Pooja Vastrakar.

Pooja Vastrakar injured, misses out on Women’s World Cup

Pooja Vastrakar last featured for India in the T20 World Cup last year in the UAE. The 25-year-old however has since been out of action with a multitude of injured. Vastrakar added some batting firepower to the lower order, while dovetailed as a specialist seamer alongside Renuka Singh Thakur.

She missed the match against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup but returned to face Australia in a game which saw India knocked out. Vastrakar featured in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, but injuries and niggles continued to persist. She was subsequently ruled out of WPL 2025. The 25-year-old’s injury is unspecified and her recovery time is also a mystery.

Who fills the Vastrakar void for India?

In Vastrakar’s absence, Amanjot Kaur has made the spot her own. A teammate of Vastrakar at Mumbai Indians, Kaur has showcased her ability to contribute with both bat and ball. The 24-year-old has 13 wickets in 9 ODIs, but India will be vary of her fitness. She excelled in the England T20Is, including an unbeaten 63 at Bristol.

Amanjot is at the CoE recovering from a niggle and will the ODI series against Australia. She will return at the World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur will hope her MI lieutenant pull through as India chase the title at home.

Women’s World Cup 2025 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.