BCCI announces squad: Harmanpreet Kaur named Captain for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup

MUMBAI: The BCCI has officially announced the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, set to take place in England and Wales this June. Veteran superstar Harmanpreet Kaur will once again captain the side, with star opener Smriti Mandhana serving as her deputy.

The selection committee has rewarded domestic consistency, handing maiden World Cup call-ups to middle-order batter Bharti Fulmali and breakout pace sensation Nandani Sharma. Both players were instrumental in their respective franchises' success during the recently concluded Women's Premier League (WPL).

Squad dynamics and key inclusions

Bharti Fulmali joins the squad as a specialist middle-order batter, replacing Amanjot Kaur, who was unfortunately ruled out due to injury. In the bowling department, all eyes are on Nandani Sharma, whose lethal form saw her claim 17 wickets in 10 matches during the WPL.

India’s pace attack features a blend of experience and youth:

• Renuka Singh Thakur and Arundhati Reddy will lead the new-ball attack.
• Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma provide depth and variation to the seam department.

Spin strategy

In a significant move, the selectors have moved past veteran Sneh Rana, opting instead for the spin trio of Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, and Sree Charani. The inclusion of the young Charani highlights India's shift toward more aggressive, wicket-taking spin options for the English tracks.

The core batting lineup remains robust with Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, and the hard-hitting Richa Ghosh. Yastika Bhatia has been named as the backup wicketkeeper.

Official India Squad

Batters: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali.

Wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia.

All-Rounders: Deepti Sharma.

Spinners: Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sree Charani.

Pacers: Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud.

The Women's T20 World Cup kicks off on June 12, with India scheduled to play their opening fixture on June 14. After a strong showing in the 2024 edition, the "Women in Blue" will be looking to secure their first-ever T20 World Cup title on English soil.