The BCCI on Saturday announced the squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is slated to take place from June 12, in England. Harmanpreet Kaur is all set to lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy, as usual. But this time around, the only downside could be, a few big names missed out due to injury concerns.
Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur miss out
All-rounder Kashvee Gautam, who had played in the recent IND vs SA T20I series, has been ruled out due to an injury, and so have the likes of Amanjot Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar. Instead, the team went with some new players, who managed to make a name for themselves through the WPL.
Nandani Sharma, who had an explosive start to her WPL career, and picked up a hattrick this year against Gujarat Giants, has been included. She has 17 wickets in 10 matches. Then, there is also a finisher in the form of Bharti Fulmali, who scored 119 runs in the WPL, at a strike rate of over 140.
Meanwhile, there are a few players who made a comeback after long injury bouts as well. Yastika Bhatia is back as a backup keeper/opener, who in the absence of a player can fill in. Also, back is, Shreyanka Patil, who will strengthen the spin attack. This year for RCB, she proved that she is fully fit and ready to play for India. In 9 matches she secured 11 wickets, at an economy of 9.01.
As for the regular suspects, Shafali Verma will be the designated opener, Jemimah will look after the middle order, Deepti Sharma will be the backbone of the team, while youngsters Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani and Arundhati Reddy will look after the bowling department.
Since the World Cup win in 2025, the expectations from this team have grown manyfold; but all that aside, there are causes of concern as well. Recently, the almost same side went on to lose against SA 4-1. That could create confidence issues in the team.
India squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav.
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