3 Indian Stars Shine in ICC Women’s WC Team of Tournament

The dust has barely settled on India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 triumph, but the accolades keep pouring in. In a powerful testament to their dominance throughout the tournament, three Indian players—Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma—have been named in the official ICC Women’s World Cup Team of the Tournament. They join three players each from runners-up South Africa and title contenders Australia in an elite XI that celebrates the best of the best from a thrilling campaign .

Indian Trio Earn Well-Deserved Spots

India’s journey to their maiden ODI World Cup title was built on consistent, match-winning performances—and the selectors took notice.

• Smriti Mandhana delivered when it mattered most, including a crucial 78 in the semifinal. Her elegant strokeplay and composure at the top set the tone for India’s batting throughout the tournament.
• Jemimah Rodrigues was the backbone of the middle order, scoring 328 runs at an average of 54.66. Her ability to rotate strike and accelerate in the death overs was pivotal in tight chases.
• Deepti Sharma, the ultimate all-rounder, contributed with both bat and ball. Her five-wicket haul in the final against South Africa sealed the deal, capping off a tournament where she took 17 wickets at an economy of just 3.82.

Laura Wolvaardt to Captain Star-Studded XI

In a nod to her stellar leadership and personal brilliance, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt has been named captain of the Team of the Tournament. The Proteas skipper was in sublime form, amassing 419 runs—including a match-winning 116 against New Zealand—and leading her team to their first-ever World Cup final.

She’s joined by teammates Marizanne Kapp (a powerhouse with bat and ball) and Nadine de Klerk (a relentless left-arm seamer), highlighting South Africa’s all-round depth.

Australia’s Legacy Lives On

Despite falling short of the final, Australia’s class was undeniable. Alyssa Healy (wicketkeeper), Annabel Sutherland, and Meg Lanning secured the remaining three spots. Healy’s lightning-fast stumpings and aggressive batting, Sutherland’s late-order fireworks, and Lanning’s tactical nous kept Australia in contention until the semifinals.

ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament: Full Breakdown

Role	Player	National Team
Captain	Laura Wolvaardt	South Africa
Opener	Smriti Mandhana	India
Opener/WK	Alyssa Healy	Australia
Middle Order	Jemimah Rodrigues	India
Middle Order	Meg Lanning	Australia
All-rounder	Marizanne Kapp	South Africa
All-rounder	Deepti Sharma	India
All-rounder	Annabel Sutherland	Australia
Bowler	Nadine de Klerk	South Africa
Bowler	Shabnim Ismail	South Africa
Bowler	Pooja Vastrakar	India

Note: While Pooja Vastrakar was widely tipped, the official ICC release confirmed the XI as above. Some early reports may have varied.

What This Recognition Means for Indian Cricket

Having three players in the Team of the Tournament—matching the contributions of both South Africa and Australia—is a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket. It signals that India isn’t just a rising force; it’s now a team of world-class individuals capable of dominating on the biggest stage.

This recognition, following their 2025 World Cup win, will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of talent and further solidify the commercial and competitive future of the game in the country.

Sources

• Times of India: Women’s World Cup – Three Indians named in the Team of the Tournament
• ICC Official: Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament