New Delhi: India have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, with Harmanpreet Kaur set to lead the side once again. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain. The squad was unveiled by Harmanpreet along with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and selection committee chair Amita Sharma.

Balanced Squad with Key Returns

India are expected to open with Shafali Verma and Mandhana, while the middle order will rely on Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma.

Spinner Radha Yadav has returned to the squad after missing previous series, following an impressive Women’s Premier League campaign.

The pace attack includes Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Nandini Sharma and Kranti Gaud, while spin duties will be handled by Deepti, Sree Charani and Shreyanka Patil.

Injuries Force Key Omissions

Kashvee Gautam has been ruled out due to a serious knee injury requiring surgery, while Amanjot Kaur is also unavailable due to injury. The selection committee highlighted the need to strengthen the bowling unit following recent performances.

Group Stage and Fixtures

India are placed in Group 1 alongside Australia women’s cricket team, Bangladesh women’s cricket team, Netherlands women’s cricket team, Pakistan women’s cricket team and South Africa women’s cricket team.

India will begin their campaign on June 14 against Pakistan, with a key clash against Australia scheduled for June 28.

Focus on Improving T20 Form

Despite winning the 50-over World Cup last year, India’s recent T20 form has been underwhelming, including a 1-4 series loss to South Africa. The team management has emphasised early wicket-taking as a key area of improvement.

Upcoming Series and Squads

India will face England women’s cricket team in a three-match T20I series from May 28 to June 2 as preparation for the World Cup.

India’s T20 World Cup & England T20I Squad:

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

India’s One-off Test Squad vs England:

Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana.