The Indian women’s team is set to take a big step towards their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, as the squad for the 2026 edition will be announced on Saturday (May 02) in Mumbai. With the tournament scheduled to be held in England from June 12 to July 5, there’s not enough time left, and pressure will be on selectors as well to finalise a 15-member squad.
The announcement comes at an interesting time for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side. While India recently lifted the ODI World Cup at home, their T20 form has been inconsistent. A 4-1 loss to South Africa exposed a few gaps, particularly in bowling.
India’s women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement details
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM IST (selection meeting), followed by press conference
- Venue: BCCI Headquarters, Mumbai
- Live telecast/streaming: No official confirmation yet
- Apart from the World Cup squad, teams for the England tour will also be picked
- This includes a three-match T20I series (May 28 to June 2) and a one-off Test in July
- India A squads for England A tour will also be finalised
Selection headaches for Harmanpreet Kaur’s India
India’s core group is more or less settled, but a few spots remain up for grabs. The biggest concern continues to be the bowling unit, especially after the South Africa series, where the Indian team took just 22 wickets at a poor bowling average of 37.4. Meanwhile, the hosts took almost 30 wickets at 27.44.
The selectors will have to decide whether to back recent performers or go with experience. Players like Anushka Sharma and Vaishnavi Sharma impressed in limited opportunities, while Bharti Fulmali has forced her way back into contention as a finisher. There is also the pace vs spin debate. With conditions in England expected to assist seamers, someone like Nandni Sharma could come into the picture. At the same time, India have traditionally relied on spin.
Radha Yadav’s case is particularly interesting. Despite strong performances across formats and domestic cricket, she has not been a regular in T20Is. Sneh Rana and G Kamalini are also in the mix.
Another decision revolves around the wicketkeeper slot. Yastika Bhatia is back in training after injury, but whether she walks straight into the squad or is eased in via India A remains to be seen. Uma Chetry has done well in her absence.
India Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 14 | vs Pakistan | Birmingham, Edgbaston |
| June 17 | vs Netherlands | Leeds, Headingley |
| June 21 | vs South Africa | Manchester, Old Trafford |
| June 25 | vs Bangladesh | Manchester, Old Trafford |
| June 28 | vs Australia | London, Lord’s |
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