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The Indian Women’s cricket team have a new addition to their bowling unit as they have named the uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma in the 15-member squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. It is set to take place in England and Wales starting June 12, the tournament will see India led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. India will be on a mission to conquer yet another title after their heroics in the ODI World Cup. While the squad features familiar stalwarts, it is the inclusion of the 24-year-old Chandigarh-born speedster that has captured the imagination of the cricketing world. It will be a huge journey as it will mark her rapid ascent from domestic talent to a global stage.
Nandni’s selection is the direct result of a sensational
breakout season during the Women's Premier League 2026, where she emerged as one of the most lethal bowlers in the circuit. She played for the Delhi Capitals and she proved to be one of the picks of the tournament. After being roped in for just Rs 20 lakh during the auction, she repaid the franchise’s faith by bagging 17 wickets in just 10 matches. Her ability to swing the ball at pace and her clinical execution in the death overs made her an indispensable asset and, ultimately, a place in the national squad.
A spell to remember, and a journey that's really just getting started. Welcome to the squad, Nandni Sharma! 🇮🇳🌟#TeamIndia | #WomenInBlue | #T20WorldCuppic.twitter.com/1BmufXr5cs
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) May 3, 2026
Breakout WPL star earns maiden World Cup call-up as India eyes seam boost in English conditions
Nandni Sharma was simply exceptionally good in the WPL as she made history in her first season. During her tenure with the Delhi Capitals, she became the first Indian bowler to register both a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick in the same tournament. This rare feat highlighted her temperament for the big occasion, showcasing a fine level of composure. Her journey to the senior national side has been steady. Before the World Cup call-up, she was part of the India squad for the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in Bangkok earlier this year. That experience, combined with her dominance in the WPL, prepared her for the high-pressure environment she will face in English conditions.
The upcoming tour is more than just the World Cup; Nandni has also been named in the squad for the preceding three-match T20I series against England, starting May 28, and the one-off Test match. With key pacers like Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur sidelined due to injuries, Nandni Sharma is expected to play a pivotal role alongside Renuka Singh Thakur. It will be interesting to see how the Indian pace unit will shape up as they have some quality additions. The England conditions will favour the seamers more and the Indian pacers will try to make the most of the conditions. As India seeks to build on their previous successes, the inclusion of a genuine wicket-taker like Nandni Sharma provides the bowling attack with a fresh, aggressive edge. All eyes will now be on the young pacer as she prepares to don the Blue jersey for the first time. India will aim to repeat the heroics of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and such additions will definitely help India in their quest.
