India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is determined to win the trophy for the first time in its history. This marks a significant step forward for Indian women’s cricket as they prepare to compete on the global stage.
Smriti Mandhana has been named as the vice-captain for the tournament, providing valuable leadership and experience to the squad. The selection panel has also given a chance to uncapped pacer Nandini Sharma, who impressed during the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL). Her inclusion highlights the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
However, not all players have been selected due to injury concerns. Amanjot Kaur, who was expected to be part of the squad, has been left out after it was confirmed she will not recover in time for the World Cup. Similarly, Kashvee Gautam is also injured and is set to undergo knee surgery. These setbacks underscore the challenges faced by the team as they prepare for the tournament.
Yastika Bhatia, who missed the 2025 ODI World Cup and the 2026 WPL, has been included in the squad after recovering from her fitness issues. Radha Yadav has also been recalled after being excluded from the bilateral series against South Africa and Australia. Her return adds depth and experience to the team.
Tournament Schedule and Group Details
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in England, starting on June 11, with the final set to be held on July 5 at Lord’s Stadium in London. This prestigious event will bring together some of the best teams in the world, including India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands in Group A.
India’s group stage schedule includes matches against several strong opponents, setting the stage for intense competition. Before the World Cup, the Women in Blue will face England in a three-match T20I series, offering an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum.
India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and England Series Squad
The following players have been named in the squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming series against 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
This well-rounded squad combines experienced players with emerging talents, ensuring a balanced approach to the tournament.
Test Squad for One-Off Match Against England
In addition to the T20 World Cup squad, the BCCI has also announced the Test squad for a one-off five-day game against England, which will start on July 10. The selection includes:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (captain)
- Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain)
- Shafali Varma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Pratika Rawal
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Sree Charani
- Yastika Bhatia (wk)
- Nandni Sharma
- Harleen Deol
- Renuka Thakur
- Kranti Gaud
- Sayali Satghare
- Sneh Rana
This Test match provides an opportunity for the team to gain valuable experience and prepare for future international fixtures. With a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, the squad is well-positioned to perform at a high level.
As the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the focus remains on building a strong and cohesive team that can compete against the best in the world. The BCCI’s strategic selections reflect a commitment to excellence and a clear vision for the future of Indian women’s cricket.
