New Delhi: The announcement of India’s squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup threw up a few surprises, but the biggest talking point was the absence of all-rounders Kashvi Gautam and Amanjot Kaur. The BCCI clarified on Saturday that both players were unavailable for selection due to injuries, forcing the selectors to reconsider India’s pace-bowling depth ahead of the marquee event in England and Wales starting June 12.After rejecting two promising sevens bowling options, the selectors turned to uncapped pacer Nandini Sharma, who earned her maiden World Cup call-up after a stellar run in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. Representing Delhi Capitals Women in WPL 2026, Nandini took 17 wickets in 10 matches and emerged as one of the outstanding Indian bowlers of the tournament. She was also part of India’s squad for the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars competition in Bangkok earlier this year, where she continued to impress with her pace and control.India also welcome back wicket-keeper batsman Yastika Bhatia, who is returning after recovering from an ACL injury sustained during the ODI World Cup preparation camp last year. His inclusion gives the squad additional depth behind the stumps along with Richa Ghosh.Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal has not been included in the T20 World Cup squad despite being in contention for the England tour. However, the selectors have kept faith in the young batsman by including him in the squad for the one-off Test against England at Lord’s from July 10 to 13.Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, India’s World Cup squad will play a three-match T20I series against England from May 28 as preparation for the first global tournament.India Women’s Squad for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and T20I Series against EnglandHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shifali Verma, Jemima Rodrigues, Bharti Filmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Shri Charani, Yesthika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil.Indian women’s team for the one-off Test against England at Lord’sHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shifali Verma, Jemima Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicket), Shri Charani, Yesthika Bhatia (wicket), Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Saile Satnare.
