The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday officially unveiled the India squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a balanced 15-member side as India aims for their maiden T20 World Cup title in England.
The squad blends proven experience with exciting new talent, featuring the return of wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia after her recovery from ACL surgery. The announcement was made at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai following the women’s selection committee meeting.
Full India Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur Vice-Captain: Smriti Mandhana
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Smriti Mandhana (vc)
- Shafali Verma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Bharti Fulmali
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Yastika Bhatia (wk)
- Shree Charani
- Nandani Sharma
- Arundhati Reddy
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Kranti Gaud
- Shreyanka Patil
- Radha Yadav
Key Highlights of the Squad Selection
- Experience Meets Youth: The core remains strong with star batters Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues, alongside all-rounder Deepti Sharma and seasoned pacers Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha Yadav.
- Yastika Bhatia’s Comeback: The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter returns to the squad, adding depth behind the stumps alongside Richa Ghosh.
- Debutants in World Cup Setup: Bharti Fulmali, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, and Kranti Gaud earn their first major ICC tournament call-ups, reflecting the selectors’ faith in domestic performers.
- Bowling Strength: India boasts a potent mix of spin (Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani) and pace (Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Nandani Sharma).
Selectors have largely backed the players who performed well in recent T20I series while giving opportunities to in-form domestic talents.
India’s Road to Glory: Tournament Details
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in England from June 12 to July 5, 2026. Defending champions and hosts England, along with powerhouses Australia, New Zealand, and Pakistan, will make the competition highly competitive.
India have been consistent performers in white-ball cricket but are yet to win the T20 World Cup. This squad is widely regarded as one of their strongest in recent years.
What Experts Are Saying
Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence in the unit’s balance and depth. The inclusion of multiple wicketkeeping options and all-rounders gives the team flexibility across different English conditions, known for their variable weather and pitches.
Predicted Playing XI (Expected)
- Smriti Mandhana
- Shafali Verma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Deepti Sharma
- Shreyanka Patil
- Arundhati Reddy
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Radha Yadav
- Shree Charani / Nandani Sharma
India’s Strengths and Challenges
Strengths: Explosive top order, spin bowling depth, experienced leadership. Areas to Watch: Middle-order consistency and death bowling execution against top teams.
FAQs – India Squad Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Q1. When was the India Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announced? A: May 2, 2026.
Q2. Who is the captain of India’s T20 World Cup team? A: Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain.
Q3. Is Yastika Bhatia in the squad? A: Yes, she has made a successful return after injury.
Q4. Where will the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 be held? A: England & Wales, from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
