India Announces Women’s T20 World Cup Squad: Bhatia, Nandani, and Radha Return

A Strategic Overhaul for the T20 World Cup

With the Women’s T20 World Cup set to take place in England this June and July, the Indian selection committee has made pivotal adjustments to their roster. Following a challenging 4-1 series defeat in South Africa, the team management, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and chief selector Amita Sharma, has prioritized strengthening the bowling attack to ensure a more competitive performance on the global stage.

Key Inclusions and Tactical Shifts

The squad features the highly anticipated return of Yastika Bhatia and spin-bowling veteran Radha Yadav, alongside a maiden international call-up for the talented pace bowler Nandani Sharma. These changes come as a direct response to the struggles faced during the South African tour, where India’s inability to pick up early wickets proved costly.

Nandani Sharma, in particular, arrives with significant momentum. After a stellar performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she represented the Delhi Capitals and claimed 17 wickets—including a historic hat-trick—the young pacer is seen as a vital asset. Chief selector Amita Sharma emphasized that the decision to bolster the bowling department was essential to controlling games, noting the impact of opposing batters like Laura Wolvaardt in the previous series.

Addressing Injuries and Depth

The road to the World Cup has not been without its setbacks. Allrounder Amanjot Kaur is set for a four-to-five-month recovery period following a back injury, and Kashvee Gautam has been ruled out due to a right-knee injury that requires surgery. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence in the current depth of the squad, stating, “Luckily we have got really good options even after some of our Plan A players got injured.”

The return of Radha Yadav brings invaluable experience to the spin unit. With 89 T20I appearances and 103 wickets to her name, her presence alongside Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, and Shreyanka Patil provides India with a formidable spin attack capable of dismantling lineups in diverse conditions.

Road to the Final

India’s campaign is set to begin on June 14 against Pakistan in Birmingham. Placed in Group 1, the Women in Blue will face stiff competition from Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. The tournament structure will see the top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, culminating in the grand final at Lord’s on July 5.

While India currently holds the ODI world title, the T20 World Cup remains an elusive trophy. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s seasoned leadership—her fifth time captaining the side at this tournament—the team is eager to improve upon their previous results and reclaim their status as the dominant force in world cricket.

Full Squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup and England T20Is

• Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
• Vice-Captain: Smriti Mandhana
• Wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia
• Batters: Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali
• Allrounders: Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani
• Bowlers: Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma, Radha Yadav

As the team prepares for the bilateral T20Is against England starting May 28, the focus remains on execution, discipline, and the tactical flexibility needed to navigate a challenging group stage. Fans across the globe will be watching closely as these fifteen players look to leave their mark at the home of cricket.