India’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup took a notable turn with the announcement of the squad, featuring both fresh faces and a couple of high-profile omissions. The biggest talking point came from the absence of all-rounders Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirming that both players were unavailable due to injury concerns. That development has prompted selectors to reassess India’s balance—particularly their pace-bowling options—ahead of the tournament in England and Wales, which begins on June 12.
Injuries reshape India’s World Cup plans
- The BCCI stated that Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur missed selection because of injuries, leaving a gap in India’s all-round and seam-bowling resources.
- With those two unavailable, the selection panel looked to bring in an uncapped pace option in Nandini Sharma.
- Nandini earned her first Women’s T20 World Cup call-up after strong domestic performances and a standout Women’s Premier League season.
- Playing for Delhi Capitals Women in WPL 2026, Nandini finished with 17 wickets from 10 matches, emerging as one of the tournament’s more effective Indian fast-bowling contributors.
- Earlier this year, she was also part of India’s squad for the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars event in Bangkok, continuing to show promise with both pace and control.
Welcome return for Yastika Bhatia
India have also added wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia back into the fold. Her return follows recovery from an ACL injury she picked up during an ODI World Cup preparatory camp last year. Bhatia’s inclusion strengthens the options behind the stumps, joining Richa Ghosh as wicketkeeping depth within the squad.
Pratika Rawal misses out, but gets a Test chance
Pratika Rawal, though considered for the T20 World Cup squad, ultimately did not make the cut for the marquee event. However, selectors have continued to back the young batter by naming her in India’s group for the one-off Test against England at Lord’s. That match is scheduled for July 10 to 13.
What’s next for India Women
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. Before the World Cup, India Women are set to begin their preparation with a three-match T20I series against England, starting May 28.
India Women’s squad for 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
India Women’s squad for one-off Test against England at Lord’s
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C)
- Smriti Mandhana (VC)
- Shafali Verma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Pratika Rawal
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Shree Charani
- Yastika Bhatia (wk)
- Nandini Sharma
- Harleen Deol
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Kranti Gaud
- Sayali Satghare
- Sneh Rana
