Former India legend Mithali rajwho served the nation for almost two decades, has offered her insights on the upcoming ODI Women’s World Cup 2025. In a conversation with K shriniwas raoHead of Sports Content at Times Internet, at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Mithali discussed the state of women’s cricket and the crucial elements for India to win the coveted trophy on home soil and also the potential finalists of the upcoming ICC mega event.

Mithali Raj reveals her finalists of ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

Mithali believed that the upcoming World Cup, played on home soil, presents a massive opportunity for the Indian team to finally clinch their maiden title. Having led India to the finals in both 2005 and 2017, Mithali is all too familiar with the heartbreak of coming so close.

At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, she emphasized that for India to succeed, they must learn to ‘seize those small moments’ in big games, a characteristic she sees in top teams like Australia. According to Mithali, winning the World Cup at home would not just be a victory but a defining moment that would further boost the sport’s growth in the country. She noted that the BCCI’s efforts in ensuring strong bilateral series against high-quality opposition, such as the upcoming tour against Australiahave provided the team with the perfect preparation.

While India will enter the tournament with strong form, Mithali was quick to point out that Australia remains the ‘toughest opposition,’. The defending champions have an unparalleled record, having won the World Cup a record seven times. The Australian side, known for its consistency and dominance, will be a formidable opponent for any team, and Mithali believes they will be a significant test for India. The upcoming three-match ODI series between the two teams in September will be a crucial warm-up, offering a glimpse of the fierce rivalry to come.

“They’ve been doing really well in the one-day format. Australia remain the toughest opposition, but with the preparation BCCI has ensured , strong bilateral series, good quality opposition, India does have a very good chance.” She then went on to make her bold prediction, stating simply, “India and Australia in the final.”

The rise of Women’s cricket and WPL effect

Mithali gave a lot of credit to franchise cricket and tournaments like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the growth of women’s cricket in India. She highlighted the league’s role as a vital milestone, saying, “It’s one of those very important milestones for women’s cricket in India because it’s played a very vital role in the growth of the sport,”.

She pointed out that the WPL has created a professional pathway for young players, with franchises identifying and investing in talent as young as 17 or 18. This has also brought financial benefits to the players. “In terms of sponsorship, it helps the players, because once you start representing a franchise, you attract sponsor deals as well, whether it is ads or for your equipment,” she said.

The success of the WPL, with the Mumbai Indians winning the third edition in 2025, has demonstrated the league’s impact on the sport. Mithali’s comments show that the WPL has not only provided a platform for skill but also a pathway to a viable career, changing the perception of cricket for many young girls across the country.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.coma Tezzbuzz company.