'Deepti Sharma bowls like me' - Suresh Raina names India's X-factor in 2025 Women's World Cup

Divy Dubey

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'Deepti Sharma bowls like me' - Suresh Raina names India's X-factor in 2025 Women's World Cup image

India will enter the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup with a mix of experience and fresh talent as Harmanpreet Kaur captains the side on home soil. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain of the 15-member squad.

With the tournament beginning on September 30, former India cricketer Suresh Raina has shared his thoughts on which players could tilt the balance for the hosts.

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Suresh Raina highlights Deepti Sharma's impact

Speaking to the ICC, Raina singled out Deepti Sharma as a potential game-changer for India. He praised her all-round skills - particularly her ability to handle pressure with the ball in crucial moments.

"Deepti Sharma can be the X-factor, the way she bats, the way she fields and, most important, the way she bowls the crucial over. I used to bowl the same way against left-handers, and I see that same match temperament in her. She has the courage to perform under pressure," Raina said.

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Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma compared to iconic duo

Raina also pointed to the partnership potential between wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma - noting how their left-right combination could disrupt opposition attacks. He compared their partnership dynamic to his own experience of batting with MS Dhoni in pressure situations.

"Richa Ghosh has the power to hit big in the middle overs and read the game well. When she bats with Deepti, they can do miracles together. That's what MS Dhoni and I have done over the years." Raina added.

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India's squad for Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

With a balanced squad and home advantage, India's World Cup campaign carries high expectations. Let's take a look at the full squad below:

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, Kranti Gaud

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.