While athapaththu

Assam Cricket Association Stadium: 2025 has belonged to those sporting teams that previously missed out on winning trophies and have transformed into title winners in their respective competitive leagues. For India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, it's more or less the same – a chance to shed the weight of history and live up to the hope of a nation yearning for its first senior women’s global championship glory. That quest begins again when India open their 2025 Women's ODI World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the ACA Stadium here on Tuesday.

India enter the tournament as a formidable contender for the glittering trophy, with the competition returning to the country for the first time since 2013. The hosts possess a batting arsenal headlined by the explosive Smriti Mandhana, fresh off a stunning 50-ball century against Australia in New Delhi, alongside players like Harmanpreet, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Jemimah Rodrigues, who complement her very well.

The questions, however, remain about India's bowling attack and ground fielding, with lapses surfacing during the recent 2-1 bilateral series loss to Australia. India will be aiming to address these vulnerabilities as soon as possible in their pursuit of glory on home soil.