There are a lot of questions left to be answered, and the three-match ODI series is set to give them all

With less than three months until the 2025 Women's Cricket ODI World Cup, India faces its ultimate preparation: a three-match series against formidable England. 

Over the next week, Amol Muzumdar and his team will have their biggest litmus test, starting with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s form. While she still stands as India’s biggest match-winner, this series will need her to iron out all her flaws and brush off that rust. 

Beyond Harmanpreet, the series must solve several critical questions that will ultimately make or break India's World Cup campaign.

Pratika Rawal and the test of withstanding pressure

Pratika Rawal's biggest fear, Shafali Verma, looms in her rear-view mirror. 

It's as if she's driving an Alto with a shiny Mercedes-Benz poised to overtake. Therefore, the upcoming three matches will be her biggest litmus test: Can she handle that pressure?

Thus far, everything points in her favour, with a stellar start to her international career, scoring 638 runs after her first 11 ODIs. While she's not as fierce a hitter as Shafali, what sets her apart is her consistency—a 63.80 average with six fifty-plus scores.

Previously, India have returned to Shafali purely because of her firepower, but will Pratika and her consistent self stop them from making the mistake of familiarity?

Harleen Deol’s biggest audition at No.3

It is one thing to perform at home, and another in England, where conditions are usually tough for batters. Harleen Deol has aced it at home, but can she keep that going away from home? 

The 27-year-old does boast a good record away from home, including England, where she averages 33.50. But that was in 2023, and she was batting at No.5, where she mostly batted with set batters. 

Harleen’s challenge is different this time around. She must ensure a long stay at the crease while still finding boundaries. If she does that, one of India’s biggest headaches - No.3 spot - will end. 

Arundhati Reddy’s chance to shine

After being abruptly dropped, Arundhati Reddy is back in India's ODI plans. While things didn't quite go her way in the first series following her comeback against Sri Lanka (3 wickets @ 46.66), she now has the opportunity in England to showcase her skills.

England’s batting unit isn’t in the greatest of shape, and that’s where Arundhati could use the series to end all selection calls, once and for all. But the bigger test will be for Arundhati, the batter, especially given that she’s hardly got a hit in her ODI career. 

If India are to win the upcoming World Cup, they will need everyone in their three-dimensional form. That’s where India’s tactical usage of her, with bat and ball, would prove to be a game-changer. 

Will Shree Charani solve the left-arm spinner conundrum? 

14.80 in T20Is and 43.16 in ODIs.

It's no rocket science which is Shree Charani's better format. However, someone as talented as the 20-year-old needs to view this three-match ODI series as a way to make herself the first-choice left-arm spinner.

Since the last ODI World Cup, India have tried out as many as eight left-arm spinners, and among them is Charani, whose ODI numbers aren't eye-catching. Why is a left-arm spinner so important? Since 2022, two of the best teams in ODIs—England and Australia—have had their left-arm spinners averaging 17.0 and 18.8, respectively.

The good part for India is that Charani is just 20, and the best part is that she has three matches to show why India could rely on her come the ODI World Cup.

Can India’s pace depth stand up against England?

Kranti Goud, Arundhati, Amanjot Kaur, Sayali Satghare.

The four of them combined have ODI experience of 20 matches. Wonder where India lost the 2022 World Cup? It was in the pace bowling department, which could only pick up 24 wickets in total. Even though it is a home World Cup, India will be looking for pacers to complement Renuka Thakur. 

All four of them bring something different to the table. While Goud brings that pace x-factor, Arundhati’s ability to move the ball is crazy. However, there’s a common consensus that it could be a series for Amanjot Kaur to continue her rise. 

She’s hardly kept a foot wrong in England thus far, with three wickets and 75 runs with the bat. If anything, her past ODI numbers only back her further - 12 wickets @25.75. Even if she has one good outing, safe to assume she’s on the squad for the global event.