India Women World Cup Prep Camp: Squad to Train in Vizag from August 25
The India Women World Cup Prep Camp is all set to begin in Visakhapatnam on August 25, marking a key stage in preparations for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The Indian women’s cricket team will assemble in Vizag to fine-tune their skills ahead of the mega event. This camp is expected to play a vital role in helping the team get ready for both the home advantage and the tough competition ahead.
A Step Towards World Cup Preparation
The BCCI has decided to host the India Women World Cup Prep Camp in Vizag, as the team will also play two important World Cup group matches at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in October. India are set to face South Africa on October 9 and Australia on October 12 at this very venue, making it the perfect place for practice.
This one-week camp, beginning August 25, will involve the 15-member World Cup squad, along with six standby players. The players have been asked to report a day before the camp, and the training will continue until early September before the team heads into the Australia ODI series starting September 14 in Mullanpur.
Full Squad for the Camp
The India Women World Cup Prep Camp will feature both the 15-player main squad and standby players.
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World Cup 2025 Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 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), Sneh Rana
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Standby Players: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry (wk), Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare
The squad features a strong mix of experienced cricketers like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma, alongside fresh talent such as Kranti Gaud and Pratika Rawal.
Focus Areas of the Camp
This India Women World Cup Prep Camp will primarily focus on skill enhancement and match-readiness. The players will undergo:
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Batting Sessions: Focusing on adapting to Vizag’s pitch and conditions.
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Bowling Drills: Spinners and pacers will work under lights, replicating match-day conditions.
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Fitness & Fielding: Continuing from the previous camp in Bengaluru, which emphasized fitness and match simulations.
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Intra-Squad Matches: At least two practice games, including day-night matches, will help players get used to high-pressure situations.
The camp also aims to bring team bonding and synchronization, which are crucial ahead of a tournament like the World Cup.
Link with India A Squad
Interestingly, the India A squad may also be involved later in this camp. Currently, India A are playing against Australia A in an unofficial Test match. Once that concludes, several A players will join the India Women World Cup Prep Camp.
The India A team will later travel to Bengaluru to face New Zealand in an official warm-up game. Such parallel preparation ensures that both the senior team and the upcoming players are ready for the challenges ahead.
Strategic Choice of Vizag
The decision to hold the India Women World Cup Prep Camp in Vizag is strategic. Not only will the World Cup feature matches at this ground, but the Indian women’s team has also not played here since 2014. This camp gives the players much-needed practice on the conditions, including both red soil and black soil pitches.
Vizag’s coastal conditions can also challenge swing bowlers, making it an excellent test ahead of the World Cup.
Previous Camp in Bengaluru
This is not the first preparation camp held by the BCCI. Earlier in August, a 10-day camp in Bengaluru focused on fitness, fielding drills, and match simulations. That camp also featured a day-night intra-squad game, after which the World Cup squad was officially announced.
The upcoming Vizag camp will act as an extension, but with more emphasis on tactical practice and playing conditions.
India’s Chances at the World Cup
With the India Women World Cup Prep Camp underway, expectations are high. The Indian women’s team has reached the finals of the World Cup twice but is yet to win the trophy. With the World Cup being hosted in India this time, fans believe this could finally be the year.
Players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues will be expected to lead the batting unit, while Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha Yadav take charge of the bowling attack. The camp in Vizag is seen as a crucial step in building the right momentum.
The India Women World Cup Prep Camp in Vizag from August 25 marks the start of an exciting journey towards the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. With a balanced squad, experienced leaders, and home advantage, India have a real chance to lift the trophy this year. This camp will not only sharpen skills but also bring the team together in preparation for the biggest stage in women’s cricket.
