Fit-again Renuka back, Shafali misses the cut

No surprises, no gambles. Chief selector Neetu David and Co. resisted the temptation to tinker, announcing a World Cup squad that mirrors the one from the recent triumphant ODI series against England.

- Samreen Razzaqui

For coach Amol Muzumdar, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana, there will be comfort in the familiarity. The Indian squad is one they know best, a reflection of the core that had been fine-tuned over the past year. Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur's return to fitness and the ODI squad is crucial while a decision with great clarity was made regarding opener Shafali Verma.

Shafali, over the past year, had been knocking on the door with brilliant performances in the domestic circuit after her lean patch with the Indian team. She did return to the fold but it seems like the selection committee was not convinced to lock her in just yet.