BCCI Announces India Women’s Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup in England

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, May 2, announced a 15-member India Women’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. The much-anticipated tournament will be played in England, and India Women will begin their campaign on June 14 with a high-voltage clash against Pakistan in Birmingham.
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As the India Women’s 2026 World Cup preparations gather momentum, the squad announcement has already drawn plenty of attention from fans eager to see how the team shapes up for the global event.

Harmanpreet Kaur to lead India Women

The core of the India Women’s squad was largely on expected lines. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, while Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain.


Speaking at the press conference, selector Amita Sharma said the selection committee’s main focus for the 2026 World Cup was strengthening the bowling department. That decision came after India’s recent 4-1 defeat to South Africa, which exposed areas the team wanted to address before the tournament.

Key squad changes ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

There were a few notable changes from the previous squad. Kashvee Gautam, Anushka Sharma, and Uma Chetry have been left out. In their place, the selectors brought in pacer Nandini Sharma, all-rounder Radha Yadav, and returning wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia.



Amita Sharma revealed that Kashvee Gautam is currently dealing with a serious knee injury and will need surgery. That injury setback played a major role in the final India Women’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad selection.

Amanjot Kaur remains unavailable

Pace all-rounder Amanjot Kaur continues to remain out of contention because of a fitness issue.

Harmanpreet Kaur said during the press conference that replacing Amanjot has been difficult for the team. She also pointed out that even Kashvee Gautam, who was seen as the first-choice backup option, suffered an injury at an unfortunate time.

India’s squad for 2026 T20 World Cup

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatika (WK), Nandini Sharma, Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil, and Radha Yadav.


India Women’s 2026 T20 World Cup schedule

India’s 2026 T20 World Cup schedule features some major contests, including the much-awaited opener against Pakistan and a key group-stage clash against Australia.

DateMatchVenueTime (IST)
Sunday, June 14, 2026India vs PakistanEdgbaston Stadium, Birmingham7:00 PM
Wednesday, June 17, 2026India vs NetherlandsHeadingley Cricket Ground, Leeds7:00 PM
Sunday, June 21, 2026India vs South AfricaOld Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester7:00 PM
Thursday, June 25, 2026India vs BangladeshOld Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester7:00 PM
Sunday, June 28, 2026India vs AustraliaLord's Cricket Ground, London7:00 PM

With the India Women’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad now confirmed, attention will shift to how the team settles into conditions in England. The opening match against Pakistan will set the tone, but every group-stage fixture will be crucial as India aim to put together a strong World Cup campaign.