New Delhi: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has acknowledged that Amanjot Kaur’s injury is a major setback as the Women’s team prepares for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England. The seam-bowling all-rounder has been ruled out for roughly four to five months due to a back problem, and she also missed India’s recent T20I assignment in South Africa. Even so, Harmanpreet said she is still optimistic that the replacements will be able to step up when the team needs them most.
Harmanpreet underlined how central Amanjot was to the group’s plans, explaining that finding a direct like-for-like option has been difficult. “Amanjot was our key player. Unfortunately, she is not available. She is away from cricket for the next four to five months now,” Harmanpreet said. She added that replacing a player of Amanjot’s role and impact is not something that can be done easily, stating, “In place of her, it was very difficult to find someone like her who can fulfil that place.”
With Amanjot unavailable, India have looked to Bharti Fulmali and Radha Yadav to add strength to the squad. Bharti has retained her place after getting limited opportunities during the South Africa tour, while Radha returns to the T20I set-up following strong performances in domestic cricket. Harmanpreet framed the selection as part of a broader effort to keep the balance right, especially as the side moves toward major international fixtures.
Building balance as injury concerns shape selection
Radha’s return also comes at a time when India are dealing with multiple fitness issues. Alongside Amanjot’s absence, Kashvee Gautam is set to undergo knee surgery, which adds further pressure on the team’s bowling and all-round depth. Harmanpreet said the management is trying to shape the best possible combination from the players available. “But still, we are trying – Bharti, whatever opportunity she got, she tried to prove herself. We have got Radha back in the side because she is also an all-rounder who can contribute with bat, ball, and field,” the skipper explained.
She reiterated that replacing Amanjot has been a tough task, but insisted India are working to ensure the squad is ready to respond whenever called upon. “So, Amanjot’s replacement was very hard to find. But now, like whatever players were available, we are trying to balance the team with them so that whenever we need somebody, they are ready for us.”
Harmanpreet also defended India’s bowling unit after the defeat in the recent South Africa series. She argued that one unconvincing stretch should not be treated as a verdict on the team’s overall quality. “This was the only series where our bowling didn't click much… in one series, I can't judge my players,” she said.
Looking ahead, Harmanpreet believes the team’s upcoming camp and the England series will help India regain momentum before the World Cup. She also highlighted the contributions of Bharti Fulmali and Nandni Sharma, noting that both have earned their chances through strong showings in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League.
India Women’s squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and T20I series vs England: 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.
