New Delhi: As the Indian women’s cricket team gears up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, the spotlight is on a blend of experience and exciting new talent.
The BCCI announced the 15-member squad on May 2, 2026, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side and Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. India will be aiming for their maiden T20 World Cup title.
In a significant development, four players have been selected for their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, bringing fresh energy and depth to the squad.
Indian Women Making Their T20 World Cup Debut in 2026
Bharti Fulmali (Batter, Middle Order)
An experienced domestic player, Fulmali had long been pushing for a place in the team. Finally, she has earned her first World Cup opportunity.
Fulmali is known for her composed technique. Moreover, she can accelerate during the death overs. As a result, she impressed the selectors in the lead-up series.
Therefore, the selectors see her as a reliable middle-order option. She can anchor the innings and, at the same time, finish strongly. Hence, this dual ability makes her highly valuable in T20 cricket.
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Nandani Sharma (Fast-Medium Pacer, Delhi Capitals)
The remarkable story behind this selection is Nandani Sharma. In January 2026 in her second WPL match this 24-year-old player from Chandigarh achieved a historic feat. She became the uncapped player in the history of the Womens Premier League to take a hat-trick.
- She dismissed Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Renuka Singh off the three deliveries of the innings against the Gujarat Giants.
- She finished that spell with figures of 5 wickets for 33 runs.
After the match she simply stated, “I just bowled to my targets.” Her captain, Jemimah Rodrigues had entrusted her with the final over of the match. The situation was slipping away. She delivered exactly as expected. Following that performance the selectors could no longer overlook her.
Shree Charani (Left-Arm Spinner)
Charni has already had a taste of ICC tournament cricket. She was part of Indias 2025 ODI World Cup squad. This means she brings big-match experience to her maiden T20 World Cup.
- Her left-arm spin provides the variety often lacking in attacks dominated by handers.
- The pitches, in England, which offer assistance to spinners compared to flat subcontinental tracks could be well-suited to her style.
Her ability to score runs in the order adds further value.
Kranti Gaud ( All- Rounder)
Much like Charani, Gaur has already won an ICC trophy. She was part of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup-winning squad.
Her maiden T20 World Cup call-up rewards her consistent all-round performances. It also gives Harmanpreet Kaur more flexibility in team selection.
Gaur can bowl economical overs and score useful runs in the middle order. She is the kind of player who can win tight knockout matches.
India’s Complete Squad for women’s T20 world cup 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur (C) Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (WK,) Yastika Bhatia (WK), Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Nandini Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur
where and when India play
India are in Group A alongside Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands —Their matches proceeds like this:
14 June – India vs Pakistan (Edgbaston, Birmingham)
17 June – India vs Netherland (Headingley, Leeds)
21 June – India vs South Africa ( Old Trafford, Manchester)
25 June – India vs Bangladesh ( Old Trafford, Manchester)
28 June – India vs Australia (Lord’s London)
05 July – The Final ( Lord’s Cricket Ground, London)
This is the tenth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the first to feature 12 teams — an expansion from the 10-team format used in 2024.
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The extra two spots went to qualifying nations, with Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands earning their places through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.
Defending champions are New Zealand, who beat South Africa in the 2024 final in the UAE. Australia remain the most decorated team in Women’s T20 World Cup history with six titles.
Amulya Shrivastav is a journalist who loves cricket and enjoys telling stories around it. Her interest in the sport is what led her to choose journalism as a career. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and writes mainly on sports, while also exploring topics like politics, health, tech, and lifestyle. Her work focuses on simple, engaging storytelling that connects with readers.
