Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Mithali Raj on India’s Chances and How Women’s Cricket Has Evolved
Mithali Raj, the face of Indian women’s cricket for over two decades, believes the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka will be one of the most competitive editions in history. Having led India to two World Cup finals and carried the baton alongside Jhulan Goswami for years, Mithali knows what pressure on the world stage truly feels like.
Speaking ahead of the marquee event, Mithali shared her insights on India’s chances, the growth of women’s cricket globally, and how domestic leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) have transformed the game.
From 2005 to 2017: A Shift in Mindset
Mithali recalled her early days as a 23-year-old captain in the 2005 ODI World Cup. Back then, India underestimated its potential. “We always thought about reaching the finals, not about winning them,” she admitted. That changed in 2017, when India’s approach was clear from the start — they weren’t just there to participate, they were there to win.
Players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Punam Raut, and Sushma Verma played defining roles, reflecting the team’s collective determination. “In long tournaments, it’s about when you peak as a unit. And in 2017, we peaked together,” Mithali said.
Impact of WPL and Global Leagues
According to Mithali, India’s rise as a World Cup favorite was inevitable after the launch of the WPL. “Australia had a head start with the Women’s Big Bash League, but the WPL has given our players exposure, confidence, and a platform to play alongside the best in the world,” she explained.
Unlike her playing days, where fixtures were sparse and players often struggled to build momentum, today’s cricketers play year-round — either internationally or in franchise leagues. This, Mithali believes, has drastically improved India’s depth and self-belief.
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Bowling Concerns, Batting Strength
While India’s batting unit looks formidable, Mithali admitted the bowling attack still lacks express pace. “We don’t have someone like Lauren Filer or Darcie Brown. But our spinners, especially Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, bring a lot of balance,” she said. With youngsters like Sree Charani and Kranti Goud emerging, Mithali hopes India can defend big totals, even without a 140 kmph pacer in the squad.
High-Scoring Games are the New Normal
The recent India-Australia ODI series, where over 800 runs were scored in a single match, is proof of how much the women’s game has evolved. Mithali believes 300-350 totals will now be standard, with 400-plus scores possible depending on the surface. “Teams are no longer intimidated by big chases. That mindset shift is huge,” she added.
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A More Competitive World Cup
Unlike earlier editions, Mithali sees the 2025 World Cup as wide open. “It’s anyone’s World Cup now. Teams like England, Australia, India, and South Africa are strong, but others like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh need more exposure in global leagues to bridge the gap,” she pointed out.
With better promotions, trophy tours, and digital coverage, Mithali believes this year’s event will draw far more attention than previous editions. “The women’s game is no longer about 250 totals. The bar has been raised, and fans are going to witness a new era of cricket,” she said with optimism.
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