India announces Women’s T20 World Cup squad: Yastika Bhatia returns, Pratika Rawal absent | Cricket News –

NEW DELHI: India have largely maintained experience while making some bold calls in announcing their 15-member squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England, with the return of Yastika Bhatia and the omission of Pratika Rawal emerging as the biggest talking points from Saturday’s selection meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, aiming to win India’s maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title, will head into the tournament from June 14 with a squad that balances established stars with emerging talent.

Smriti Mandhana was appointed vice-captain, while regular names like Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh retained their places.Notable additions include Bharti Phulmali and youngster Nandini Sharma, both of whom impressed during the final chances.

Left-arm spinner Shri Charani has also earned a place, underscoring India’s focus on spin options for English conditions.Radha Yadav, whose exclusion was likely before the announcement, retained her place after strong domestic performances and previous success in England.But the biggest surprise was Pratika Rawal’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad despite being among the players nominated to travel to England.

Instead, she was included in India’s squad for the one-off Test at Lord’s.Harleen Deol also features in the Test squad only, suggesting that selectors are looking at both players as longer options at the moment.Yastika Bhatia’s return is another important development after the wicket-keeper-batsman’s recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament surgery he suffered during the ODI World Cup pre-camp last year. Her inclusion indicates that the team management is confident in her fitness before the world championship.Meanwhile, Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur were not available for selection due to injuries, which affected India’s bowling depth.The selectors have also named separate squads for the England T20I series and the one-off Test at Lord’s, with the England tour expected to play a key role in India’s World Cup preparations.

India women’s squad for the 2026 women’s t20 world cup and t20i series against england

Harmanpreet 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’s

Harmanpreet 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.