ICC Women’s T20 WC: India announces squad; Harmanpreet to lead
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Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, retaining Harmanpreet Kaur as captain and naming Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain. The squad features several established names, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, signalling continuity in the team’s core batting group.
However, the selection has also drawn attention for notable exclusions. Injured all-rounder Amanjot Kaur has been left out, while experienced players such as Harleen Deol and Sneh Rana have also missed out. The absence of any players from Kerala has further stood out, underlining the selection committee’s clear shift in priorities.
The squad reflects strong influence from recent domestic performances, particularly the Women's Premier League. Bharati Fulmali has been drafted into the middle order as a replacement for Amanjot, riding on her impressive WPL showing. Nandini Sharma has also secured a place after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 wickets from 10 matches.
India’s spin department will be handled by Shri Charani, Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav, who have been preferred over Sneh Rana and Vaishnavi Sharma. Radha’s inclusion as an all-round option highlights her growing value, especially after her recent batting contributions in the WPL.
The pace attack includes Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Goud and Nandini, forming a balanced bowling unit. Yastika Bhatia has been included as a backup wicketkeeper.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 14 in England and Wales, with India heading into the competition with a mix of experienced players and emerging performers, reflecting both continuity and calculated changes in the squad.
Team India:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Nandini Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, and Shree Charani.