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The highly anticipated Women’s World Cup 2025 got underway today with India facing Sri Lanka in the opening match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The co-hosts India, led by , were handed an early talking point even before the first ball was bowled, as two prominent names—Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha Yadav—were missing from the playing XI.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to make use of early conditions. Harmanpreet confirmed that India had gone in with a bowling combination of three spinners and two pacers. However, she refrained from giving a direct explanation for the absence of Renuka and Radha, leaving fans and pundits speculating.
Selection call on Renuka Thakur and Radha Yadav raises eyebrows
Renuka, India’s strike pacer in recent years, played both warm-up matches and looked in rhythm. According to some reports, the team management might be resting her for marquee clashes against stronger opponents like England and Australia. Interestingly, she was also absent from the practice session on the eve of the opener, further fueling speculation.
Radha’s omission, however, remains more of a tactical decision. With, Sneh Rana, and young Kranti Gaud forming the spin trio, the management seemingly felt Radha did not fit into the combination for this particular match. Still, her exclusion has left many questioning whether India missed a trick by leaving out an experienced left-arm option.
India’s XI against Sri Lanka
India fielded the following playing XI for their first game: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, and Shree Charani.
While the batting looked strong on paper, the absence of Renuka’s pace with the new ball and Radha’s variety in spin certainly stood out as major talking points.
Fans express shock on social media
Cricket fans took to social media to voice their displeasure over the surprising exclusions. Many expressed disappointment, especially about Renuka being benched despite her recent form. Others felt Radha’s experience could have been valuable in a World Cup opener at home.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Kranti Gaud making her World Cup debut before Renuka Singh Thakur 🫢
— Shajin MS (@SupertrampMS)
Dropped Renuka Singh thakur 👀
— GaganGowda (@hittingwickets)
How India and Sri Lanka line up for this game. Understandably, no Renuka Singh Thakur, they might just want to save her for when absolutely required.
In focus players: Richa Ghosh, she's dipped off in the batting and keeping charts., Hopefully this tournment offers redemption.…
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan)
NO RENUKA SINGH THAKUR AGAINST SRI LANKA!!
Seems like she is being protected for the important games ahead. A clear sign that she isn't back to 100% fitness. Amanjot and Kranti will take the new ball.
The fitness of the pacers remains to be key for Harman.
— Gaurav Nandan Tripathi | गौरव नंदन त्रिपाठी (@Cric_Beyond_Ent)
India starting without all of Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur and Arundhati Reddy in their first game! Oh boy…
— Vishal Dikshit (@Vishal1686)
You don't pick Renuka Thakur in order to save her for imp matches but what about Radha Yadav? She's arguably your best fielder and clever bowler. Too much saving isn't good.
— Akshat (@Akshat_Cricket)
They dropped Renka Thakur and Radha Yadav from playing XI? What on earth are they smoking?
— Random (@Random144729)
Dear Why is Radha Yadav and Renuka Singh Thakur not in today's playing XI? The logic and sheer suddenness of this move is beyond everyone's thinking.
— Aatish Kapoor the oscar winner (@AkashThapa2505)
India startings it's campaign in the and in first first experienced radha yadav and renuka Singh is not in playing.. 🧐.
Don't know what team management is thinking for this home world Cup.
— Pulkit Trigun (@PulkitTrigun45)
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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
