Harmanpreet Kaur (PTI Image)
New Delhi: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that Amanjot Kaur’s injury has created a big problem for the team ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, but she remains hopeful that the substitutes can deliver when needed.Amanjot, a seam bowler, has been ruled out for four to five months with a back injury, having also missed India’s recent T20I series in South Africa. Harmanpreet explained how important Amanjot is to the side.“Amanjot has been our key player. Unfortunately, she is not available. She is away from cricket for the next four to five months now,” Harmanpreet said.“Instead of her, it would have been very difficult to find someone like her who could fulfill this place.”India have now turned to Bharti Phulmali and Radha Yadav to bolster the team. Bharti retained her place after limited opportunities in South Africa, while experienced pacer Radha returned to the T20I squad after strong domestic performances.
India banking on new options
Radha’s return also comes after injuries to Amanjot and Kashvi Gautam, who will undergo knee surgery. Harmanpreet said that the team management is trying to build the best possible balance with the available players.
“But we are still trying – Bharti, whatever opportunity she got, tried to prove herself. We have brought Radha back into the team because she is also an all-rounder who can contribute with bat, ball and field,” the skipper added.“So, it was very difficult to find a replacement for Amanjot. But now, like any available player, we are trying to balance the team with them so that when we need someone, he is ready for us.”The skipper also defended the bowling attack after South Africa’s recent series loss, saying one bad series should not define the team.“This was the only series where our bowling didn’t have much success… In one series, I can’t judge my bowlers,” she explained.Harmanpreet added that the upcoming camp and the England series will help India regain momentum ahead of the World Cup. She also praised Bharti Fulmali and uncapped player Nandni Sharma for seizing opportunities with strong domestic and WPL performances.
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.
