BCCI announces India’s squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading a balanced side for the marquee event in England.
In a major update ahead of the global tournament, the BCCI selection committee unveiled India’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday, May 2. The competition is set to begin on June 12, with England facing Sri Lanka in the opening clash.
The tournament will feature 33 matches, including three knockout fixtures, and will be played across seven venues in England, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, The Rose Bowl, Headingley, Bristol, Lord’s and Kennington Oval. India have been placed in Group A and will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan.
The same squad has also been named for the upcoming England tour, where the Women in Blue will play a three-match T20I series against the hosts.
Harmanpreet to lead experienced batting core
Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the side, anchoring a strong batting unit that includes Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues. Mandhana remains a key pillar in the lineup, having scored 4293 runs in 163 T20Is, including one century and 33 fifties.
Shafali Verma is expected to provide explosive starts in the powerplay, while Jemimah Rodrigues adds stability in the middle order. Richa Ghosh will take on the finisher’s role, with Yastika Bhatia named as the backup wicketkeeper.
Young batter Bharti Fulmali has earned a maiden World Cup call-up after impressing in WPL 2026, edging out Harleen Deol, who has instead been included in India’s Test squad against England.
Renuka Thakur leads bowling attack with strong support
India’s bowling attack will be spearheaded by experienced pacer Renuka Singh Thakur, supported by Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Goud in the pace department. Deepti Sharma is expected to play a crucial all-round role, leading the spin unit alongside Sree Charani, Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav.
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The squad reflects a balanced mix of experience and youth, with the team aiming to deliver a strong performance on English soil.
India squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Goud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav
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