The excitement around the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is steadily growing as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India’s 15-member squad for the prestigious global tournament.
The Indian women’s cricket team will enter the competition with strong expectations after its recent success on the international stage. With experienced leaders, young talent, and a balanced bowling attack, the team will aim to continue its winning momentum in one of the biggest tournaments in women’s cricket.
Harmanpreet Kaur to Captain India
Harmanpreet Kaur has been named captain of the Indian squad for the tournament, while Smriti Mandhana will serve as vice-captain.
The tournament will be hosted in England and Wales and is scheduled to begin on:
June 12, 2026
The final match is expected to take place on:
July 5, 2026
India is expected to begin its campaign with high confidence following recent ICC tournament success.
Injury Setbacks Before the Tournament
India, however, has suffered a few injury setbacks ahead of the World Cup.
Fast bowler Kashvee Gautam and all-rounder Amanjot Kaur have reportedly been ruled out due to injuries.
According to team updates, the absence of Amanjot Kaur is being viewed as a significant setback because of her all-round abilities and recent performances.
Despite these losses, selectors have retained a strong and experienced core in the squad.
India’s Pace Attack Remains Strong
Even after injury concerns, India will enter the tournament with a competitive pace bowling unit featuring:
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Arundhati Reddy
- Kranti Goud
- Nandini Sharma
Nandini Sharma is expected to make her Women’s T20 World Cup debut, adding fresh energy to the bowling lineup.
The bowling attack will likely play a crucial role in English conditions, where pace bowlers often receive extra assistance.
Confidence High After ODI World Cup Triumph
India enters the tournament with strong momentum after recently winning the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 title.
The Indian side created history by defeating the South Africa women's national cricket team in the final and lifting the trophy.
Reports suggest that 11 players from the ODI World Cup-winning squad have retained their places in the T20 World Cup team as well, ensuring continuity and experience within the group.
Full India Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
India’s announced squad includes:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
- Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
- Shafali Verma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Bharti Fulmali
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
- Shree Charani
- Yastika Bhatia (Wicketkeeper)
- Nandini Sharma
- Arundhati Reddy
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Kranti Goud
- Shreyanka Patil
- Radha Yadav
The squad includes a blend of experienced international players and emerging young talent.
India Placed in Group A
India has been placed in Group A alongside several strong teams, including:
- Australia women's national cricket team
- Bangladesh women's national cricket team
- Pakistan women's national cricket team
- Netherlands women's national cricket team
- South Africa women's national cricket team
India is scheduled to begin its campaign against:
Pakistan women's national cricket team
on June 14, 2026.
The India-Pakistan clash is expected to attract massive global attention from cricket fans.
Group B Teams
Group B of the tournament includes:
- England women's national cricket team
- Ireland women's national cricket team
- New Zealand women's national cricket team
- Scotland women's national cricket team
- Sri Lanka women's national cricket team
- West Indies women's national cricket team
India Eyes Another ICC Trophy
With a strong squad, experienced leadership, and confidence from recent ICC success, the Indian women’s team will now aim to add another major trophy to its growing achievements.
Cricket fans across India are expected to closely follow the team’s journey as preparations begin for one of the most anticipated women’s cricket tournaments of 2026.
