Harmanpreet to Lead India at 2026 Asian Games, BCCI Retains Core World Cup Squad

Mumbai, June 2026 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member Indian women’s squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, for the 2026 Asian Games, retaining the core group that featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The only change to the World Cup squad is the inclusion of left-handed batter and wicketkeeper G. Kamalini in place of Yastika Bhatia, reflecting the selectors’ confidence in the team’s established combination ahead of the continental event.

India will enter the women’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, as the defending champions. The Indian women’s team created history by winning the inaugural Asian Games gold medal in women’s cricket at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, making them one of the favourites to retain the title.

The batting line-up will once again be anchored by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, explosive opener Shafali Verma and dependable middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues.

Experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma will continue to play a pivotal role in the middle order while providing balance with her off-spin bowling.

Behind the stumps, first-choice wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh retains her place, with Kamalini named as the reserve wicketkeeper after impressing with her performances in domestic cricket.

India’s pace attack will be spearheaded by swing specialist Renuka Singh Thakur and the experienced Arundhati Reddy, while Kranti Gaud adds further depth to the fast-bowling unit.

The spin department features left-arm spinner Radha Yadav and off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, with Sree Charani and Nandni Sharma providing additional spin options.

However, the BCCI clarified that Shreyanka Patil’s selection remains subject to medical clearance after she recently returned from an ankle injury. The talented all-rounder had missed the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after suffering a twisted ankle during the lead-up to the tournament.

The inclusion of cricket in the 2026 Asian Games follows the successful return of the sport at the Hangzhou Games after it had been omitted from the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games. Overall, this will mark the fourth appearance of cricket at the Asian Games, having previously featured in Guangzhou 2010, Incheon 2014, and Hangzhou 2022.

India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games comprises: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G. Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness clearance), Radha Yadav and Nandni Sharma.

With a settled squad featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talent, India will be aiming to successfully defend its Asian Games crown and add another gold medal to its growing legacy in women’s cricket.

Team Maverick