In a significant move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the T20I squad for the Indian women’s team. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the team is set to compete in a five-match T20I series against South Africa, kicking off on April 17. This series is crucial as India gears up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in June in England. 

The 15-member squad includes familiar faces like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Thakur, and Jemimah Rodrigues. A standout addition is Anushka Sharma, who earned her spot after impressive performances in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, where she scored 177 runs at a strike rate of 129.20 for the Gujarat Giants, who made it to the playoffs.

She joins the team as a backup batter, marking her first call-up to the international stage. Additionally, Uma Chetry steps in as India’s backup keeper, replacing G. Kamalini. 

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Notably, Amanjot Kaur, who was part of India’s last series victory over Australia, has been left out. Instead, Kashvee Gautam has been brought in to strengthen the pace attack. Kashvee had a solid W-ODI series in Australia and is known for her speed. She’ll be vying for a spot alongside other pace options like Renuka, Kranti Gaud, and Arundhatti Reddy. 

Vaishnavi Sharma also misses out, having not received enough opportunities in Australia. However, with a strong spin attack already in place featuring Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani, and Shreyanka Patil, the management decided against adding another spinner. This makes sense, especially since the conditions in South Africa will favor faster bowlers, a trend that will likely continue in England for the T20 World Cup.

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Uma Chetry (WK), Anushka Sharma