The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.
Led by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur, the team blends proven match-winners with exciting young talents, building on India's recent success in the 50-over World Cup. With Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, the squad aims to finally clinch the elusive T20 title.
India finds itself in a competitive Group A alongside powerhouses like Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Their campaign opener against Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston will set the tone. Selectors prioritized recent domestic and international form, recalling explosive opener Shafali Verma
while introducing fresh legs like Bharti Fulmali. The absence of some all-rounders like Amanjot Kaur has sparked debate, but the focus remains on balance and depth.
India Women's Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav.
The batting lineup looks explosive with Mandhana and Verma providing fiery starts, complemented by the reliable middle-order of Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet. Wicket-keeping options in Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia add flexibility. The spin department, featuring Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil, promises control in English conditions, while pacers Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Gaud offer variety and pace.
Harmanpreet emphasized team unity in her address, urging the squad to play fearless cricket. With strong preparation and a mix of experience and youth, India enters the tournament as one of the top contenders. Fans eagerly await the Women in Blue to script history in what promises to be a thrilling summer of cricket.
Despite decent performances in recent times, Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur have missed out. India's ODI World Cup hero Pratika Rawal, who had a stellar tournament before injury, has also not been picked.
