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 make a strong push for their first-ever World Cup title. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the Indian side is preparing for what promises to be a challenging yet exciting tournament.
Smriti Mandhana has been named as the vice-captain for the global event, providing valuable leadership alongside Harmanpreet. 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 signals a vote of confidence in her abilities and potential to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
However, not all players have been selected due to injury concerns. Amanjot Kaur, who was part of the previous squads, has been left out after it was confirmed she will not recover in time for the World Cup. Similarly, Kashvee Gautam is also sidelined and is set to undergo knee surgery. These absences will require the team to adapt and find alternative strategies to maintain their competitive edge.
Yastika Bhatia, who missed the 2025 ODI World Cup and the 2026 WPL due to fitness issues, has been included in the squad after making a successful recovery. Her return is a positive development for the team, as she brings valuable experience and skill to the lineup. Radha Yadav has also been recalled after being excluded from the bilateral series against South Africa and Australia, highlighting her importance to the team’s plans.
Tournament Schedule and Group Matches
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in England from June 11, with the final set to be held on July 5 at Lord’s Stadium in London. This iconic venue is expected to host some of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.
India is placed in Group A alongside strong teams such as Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. The group stage will provide an opportunity for the Indian team to showcase their skills and build momentum ahead of the knockout rounds.
Before the World Cup, the Women in Blue will face England in a three-match T20I series. This series will serve as crucial preparation for the tournament, allowing the team to fine-tune their strategies and gain valuable match practice.
Full Squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and England Series
The selected squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the subsequent series against England includes:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
- Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
- Shafali Verma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Bharti Fulmali
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
- Shree Charani
- Yastika Bhatia
- Nandini Sharma
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Arundhati Reddy
- Kranti Gaud
- Shreyanka Patil
- Radha Yadav
This well-rounded squad combines youth and experience, with several players having played key roles in recent international fixtures.
Test Squad for One-Off Match Against England
In addition to the T20 World Cup squad, the BCCI has also announced the team for a one-off five-day Test match against England, which will start on July 10. The Test squad includes:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
- Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
- Shafali Varma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Pratika Rawal
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
- Sree Charani
- Yastika Bhatia (Wicketkeeper)
- Nandni Sharma
- Harleen Deol
- Renuka Thakur
- Kranti Gaud
- Sayali Satghare
- Sneh Rana
This Test match is an important step in building the team’s depth and versatility, especially as they prepare for high-stakes international cricket.
