Kashfi Gautam (Getty Images)
New Delhi: India’s squad announcement for the 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup brought some surprises, but one of the biggest talking points was the absence of all-rounders Kashfi Gautam and Amanjot Kaur.
The BCCI on Saturday clarified that both players were not available for selection due to injuries, forcing selectors to rethink the depth of India’s bowling ahead of the big event in England and Wales starting on June 12.With two promising bowling options ruled out, the selectors turned to off-spinner Nandini Sharma, who earned her first World Cup call-up after an impressive career in domestic cricket and the Women’s Super League. Representing Delhi Capitals Women in WPL 2026, Nandini picked up 17 wickets in 10 matches and emerged as one of the standout Indian bowlers of the tournament. She was also part of India’s squad for the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in Bangkok earlier this year, where she continued to impress with her speed and control.India also welcomed back wicketkeeper-batsman Yastika Bhatia, who returned after recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament injury she suffered during the ODI World Cup pre-camp last year.
Her inclusion gives the team additional depth behind the stumps along with Richa Ghosh.Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal missed out on the T20 World Cup squad despite competing for the England tour. However, the selectors have maintained their faith in the young player by including her in the squad for the one-off Test against England at Lord’s from July 10-13.Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, India’s World Cup side will first play a three-match T20I series against England starting May 28 in preparation for the global tournament.India women’s squad for the 2026 women’s t20 world cup and t20i series against englandHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemima Rodriguez, Bharti Phulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Shri Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Goud, Shreyanka Patel, Radha Yadav.India women’s squad for the one-off test against England at Lord’sHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemima Rodriguez, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satgari, Sneh Rana.
