\u201cI know Australia has dominated a lot of it, but it's certainly not a foregone conclusion,\u201d Lanning said, speaking to ICC Digital.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI'd still love Australia to win obviously, but I think India are the main competitors. I think India are a significant challenge to everybody.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTalent-wise, they're as good as anyone and I think they are really starting to understand how to win, which probably has been something for them to work on and I think they're doing that really nicely.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lanning captained Australia during the 2017 World Cup semi-final, where they were edged out by a determined Indian side that later came close to claiming their first-ever title before falling to England in a tense final at Lord\u2019s.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having secured five World Cup titles as captain \u2014 including four ICC Women's T20 World Cups and the 2022 ODI championship \u2014 Lanning brings unmatched insight into what it takes to lead with composure and deliver in the most pressure-filled moments of elite tournaments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey (India) are well led by Harmanpreet Kaur and there are really good players who have got some good experience now. So I expect them to do well,\u201d Lanning added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd if they put it together and play well, I don't think anyone can actually get close to them. They are very good.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Besides the hosts, Lanning believed several other teams have the potential to step up during the marquee tournament and deliver unexpected performances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo you've got England, who are always strong,\" Lanning noted. \u201cSouth Africa \u2026 who have done pretty well at recent World Cups, they seem to be able to get it together when it's important.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Besides the hosts, Lanning believed several other teams have the potential to step up during the marquee tournament and deliver unexpected performances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia, the defending champions, will kick off their 2025 World Cup campaign against regional rivals New Zealand on October 1 in Indore, while the host India will face Sri Lanka in the tournament opener on September 30 in Guwahati.<\/p>\r\n\r\n