India have unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma earning her maiden international call-up. The global tournament is scheduled to be held in England from June 12 to July 5, and the announcement signals a balanced approach from the selectors, combining proven match-winners with emerging talent.
Nandni Sharma earns maiden call-up for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
The 24-year-old from Chandigarh impressed during her debut season in the Women’s Premier League, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps for Delhi Capitals. Her ability to strike at crucial moments and maintain discipline in the powerplay and death overs has made her one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in the domestic circuit.
Veteran all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur will once again captain the Indian side, marking her fifth stint as skipper in a Women’s T20 World Cup. Having been part of every edition since the tournament’s inception, Harmanpreet brings invaluable experience and leadership stability to the squad.
She will be supported by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, along with key batters like Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues. The presence of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh adds further depth to the batting lineup. India have also welcomed back wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, both of whom strengthen the squad’s balance after missing recent assignments.
Spin strength and squad balance key highlights
The spin department appears particularly strong, with Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil forming a formidable trio alongside Radha. All three delivered impressive performances during the recent series against South Africa, giving India multiple wicket-taking options in the middle overs.
In the pace department, alongside Nandni, India will rely on Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy, with additional support from emerging names like Kranti Gaud. The selectors have clearly prioritized variety and adaptability, especially considering English conditions.
Notable omissions and injury setbacks
While the squad features fresh faces, a few notable names have missed out. Kashvee Gautam was unavailable due to a right knee injury, ruling her out of contention. Meanwhile, players such as Anushka Sharma, Uma Chetry, Vaishnavi Sharma and Amanjot Kaur were also left out following the recent tour of Australia.
The selectors, however, have shown faith in young talents like Shree Charani, while also backing the squad core that has consistently delivered in recent months.
India’s T20 World Cup Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Bharti Fulmali, Yastika Bhatia, Nandni Sharma, Radha Yadav
India will begin their campaign on June 14 with a high-voltage clash against Pakistan in Birmingham. Placed in Group A, they are set to face Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia in the league stage. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, scheduled to be held at The Oval.
Ahead of the tournament, the Indian squad will undergo a preparatory training camp followed by a three-match T20I series in England. The same group of players has been retained for the build-up series, ensuring continuity and team cohesion.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
