BCCI has announced India's squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 which is scheduled to be played in England from June 14.
Nandani Sharma makes entry in India's Women's T20 World Cup squad
The headline of the selection is the maiden national call-up for 24-year-old Chandigarh pacer Nandani Sharma. Her inclusion follows a spectacular breakout season in the Women’s Premier League 2026, where she finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps for the Delhi Capitals. The squad, which will also compete in a three-match preparatory series prior to the tournament, marks the return of seasoned campaigners Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav, while Anushka Sharma, Uma Chetry, and Kashvee Gautam have been omitted.
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Harmanpreet Kaur will once again captain the side, marking her fifth time leading India in a T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet remains the backbone of the batting order and enters the tournament in excellent personal form, having finished as India's top run-scorer in their recent series against South Africa. Supporting her is a formidable spin department that has been bolstered by the return of Radha Yadav. She joins a potent four-pronged spin attack alongside Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani, and Shreyanka Patil, three bowlers who proved highly effective during the team's recent travels.
While India currently holds the title of 50-over world champions, their recent T20 International form has been inconsistent. Since the previous T20 World Cup in 2024, the team has managed 13 wins from 21 matches, including notable series victories on English and Australian soil. However, the current calendar year has been more challenging, with India securing only three wins in eight matches. This recent slump was punctuated by four losses in a five-match home series against South Africa, raising the stakes for a quick turnaround as they head to the United Kingdom.
India's squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2026:
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, Arundahti Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav
Notably, the same squad has been selected for India's T20I series against England.
India’s quest for the trophy begins with a high-voltage clash against Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14. Competing in Group A, the Women in Blue will navigate a group stage that includes matchups against the Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia.