The highly anticipated Women’s World Cup 2025 got underway today with India facing Sri Lanka in the opening match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The co-hosts India, led by Harmanpreet Kaurwere handed an early talking point even before the first ball was bowled, as two prominent names—Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha yadav—were missing from the playing XI.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to make use of early conditions. Harmanpreet confirmed that India had gone in with a bowling combination of three spinners and two pacers. However, she refrained from giving a direct explanation for the absence of Renuka and Radha, leaving fans and pundits speculating.

Selection call on Renuka Thakur and Radha Yadav raises eyebrows

Renuka, India’s strike pacer in recent years, played both warm-up matches and looked in rhythm.

According to some reports, the team management might be resting her for marquee clashes against stronger opponents like England and Australia. Interestingly, she was also absent from the practice session on the eve of the opener, further fueling speculation.

Radha’s omission, however, remains more of a tactical decision. With Deepti sharmaSneh Ranaand young Kranti gaud forming the spin trio, the management seemingly felt Radha did not fit into the combination for this particular match.

Still, her exclusion has left many questioning whether India missed a trick by leaving out an experienced left-arm option.

India’s XI against Sri Lanka

India fielded the following Playing Xi For their First Game: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreeet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa GHosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Deepti Sharma Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, and Shree Charani.

While the batting looked strong on paper, the absence of Renuka’s pace with the new ball and Radha’s variety in spin certainly stood out as major talking points.

Cricket fans took to social media to voice their displeasure over the surprising exclusions. Many expressed disappointment, especially about Renuka being benched despite her recent form. Others felt Radha’s experience could have been valuable in a World Cup opener at home.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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