Yastika, Radha Return; Nandni Sharma Earns Maiden Call-Up in India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

Mumbai, May 2026 : India have announced a balanced 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, marking the return of Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav, while uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma has earned a surprise maiden call-up.

The squad was unveiled at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, chief selector Amita Sharma, and secretary Devajit Saikia addressing the media. The selection committee finalised the squad earlier in the day in the presence of head coach Amol Muzumdar.

The same group of players will also feature in a three-match T20I series against England scheduled from May 28 to June 2, serving as key preparation ahead of the global tournament.

Yastika Bhatia returns to the national setup after recovering from knee surgery, which had ruled her out of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Her comeback strengthens India’s wicketkeeping options alongside Richa Ghosh. Meanwhile, Radha Yadav makes her return following consistent all-round performances, including a strong showing in India’s T20I series win in England last year.

The biggest talking point is the inclusion of Nandni Sharma, one of the breakout stars of the Women’s Premier League 2026. Known for her pace and aggression, she made headlines by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim a hat-trick in the competition. Her selection comes at a time when India’s bowling unit is dealing with injury setbacks to key seam-bowling all-rounders.

India have been placed in Group 1 of the tournament alongside formidable opponents including six-time champions Australia Women’s Cricket Team, as well as South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. The team will begin its campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham, followed by matches against the Netherlands (June 17, Leeds), South Africa (June 21, Manchester), Bangladesh (June 25, Manchester), and Australia (June 28, Lord’s).

Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, India will aim to secure their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title. Their best performance so far remains a runners-up finish in 2020. Coming into the tournament after winning the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at home, the team will be looking to carry forward that momentum and end their wait for a T20 global crown.

India Squad – Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

• Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
• Smriti Mandhana (Vice-captain)
• Shafali Verma
• Jemimah Rodrigues
• Bharti Fulmali
• Deepti Sharma
• Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
• Sree Charani
• Yastika Bhatia (Wicketkeeper)
• Nandni Sharma
• Arundhati Reddy
• Renuka Singh Thakur
• Kranti Gaud
• Shreyanka Patil
• Radha Yadav

With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting new talent, India’s squad reflects a strategic balance as they gear up for a high-stakes World Cup campaign.