Familiar faces, fresh energy: Harmanpreet Kaur's side targets maiden WC title

Eight years after their heartbreak in the 2017 final at Lord's, the Indian women's cricket team now has a golden opportunity to lift their maiden ICC Women's World Cup title.

- Tridid Baparnash New Delhi, 20 August

With momentum and home advantage, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on September 30 after a preparatory home ODI series against Australia. Here are key takeaways from the squad that carries the weight of expectations to deliver a first-ever world title.

India will be led by Harmanpreet, who takes charge in her first 50-over World Cup as captain. The experienced batter brings both energy and big-match temperament, having guided India through several crucial campaigns in the past, including her scintillating unbeaten 171 against Australia in the semi-finals of the 2017 edition. Supporting her will be vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, India's most consistent run-scorer in recent years. With over 250 ODIs between them, the two leaders will form the backbone of India's title ambitions.