T20 World Cup: The BCCI on Tuesday announced a Harmanpreet Kaur-led 15-member squad for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. The selection committee has shown faith in the same contingent that featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with left-hand batter and wicketkeeper G Kamalini’s inclusion inplace of Yastika Bhatia remaining the only change.
India will head into the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be played in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, as the defending champions, having clinched the historic gold medal in the women’s cricket competition at the previous edition of the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.
Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues will spearhead the batting department alongside vice-captain and Smriti Mandhana. Star all-rounder Deepti Sharma anchors a middle order, while the Richa Ghosh leads the wicketkeeping duties alongside backup glovewoman Kamalini.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by swing specialist Renuka Singh Thakur and the experienced Arundhati Reddy. Meanwhile, the spin department boasts the expertise of left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav and off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.
However, the BCCI said Shreyanka’s inclusion in the final squad remains subject to fitness clearance following a recent injury layoff. The all-rounder was ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a twisted ankle.
India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma.
Article Source: IANS