New Delhi, 02 May (H.S.): The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the Indian women's team for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday. In the 15-member squad for the tournament to be held in England from June 12 to July 5, young fast bowler Nandini Sharma has earned her maiden call-up.

The 24-year-old from Chandigarh impressed in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, claiming 17 wickets for Delhi Capitals to become the joint-highest wicket-taker, securing her national team spot.

Yastika and Radha Return, Some Big Names Dropped

Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia and all-rounder Radha Yadav make comebacks. However, Anushka Sharma, Uma Chetry, and Kashvee Gautam have been omitted. This same squad will play the preceding three-match T20 series.

Harmanpreet Kaur will once again lead the Indian team, captaining the global tournament for the fifth time. She was India's top scorer in the recent series against South Africa. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain.

Spin Attack Strengthened

India has bolstered its spin department with Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, and Radha Yadav—all effective in the recent South Africa series.

India's recent T20 form has not been impressive. Post the 2024 T20 World Cup, the team won 13 of 21 matches, but only 3 out of 8 this year. They lost 4 of 5 in the recently concluded South Africa series.

India begins its campaign against Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14. Group-A includes Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia. Semifinals will be at The Oval.

Indian Squad for ICC Women's

T20 World Cup:

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Bharti Fulmali, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Radha Yadav.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar