India have unveiled a balanced 15-member squad for the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup, with Harmanpreet Kaur retaining the captaincy as the team looks to reclaim the continental crown. Following a disappointing exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, the Asia Cup presents an ideal opportunity for the Women in Blue to bounce back and re-establish their dominance in the region.
The tournament, scheduled to begin in mid-August and conclude in September, will be played in the T20 format, although the official fixtures are yet to be announced. India enter the competition as its most decorated side, having lifted the Asia Cup trophy a record seven times. However, they will be eager to regain the title after falling short in the previous edition in 2024, where Sri Lanka emerged champions for the first time under the inspirational leadership of Chamari Athapaththu.
India’s remarkable Asia Cup record includes four titles in the ODI format and three in the T20 version of the tournament. With a mix of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters, the selectors have assembled a squad capable of mounting another serious title challenge.
Fresh faces and notable omissions mark India’s selection
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini, who has been rewarded for her consistent performances. She joins Richa Ghosh as India’s second wicketkeeping option, adding youthful energy and depth to the batting unit. One of the most surprising omissions is Yastika Bhatia, who misses out despite producing memorable performances earlier in the season, including a landmark century during the Lord’s Test. Her exclusion signals the selectors’ preference for a slightly different combination in the shortest format.
India have also made a change in the spin department. Shreyanka Patil, who suffered an ankle ligament injury during the Women’s T20 World Cup, has not recovered in time to make the squad. In her place comes leg-spinner Prema Rawat, whose ability to contribute with both ball and bat provides valuable balance. Rawat’s attacking style of bowling is expected to offer India another wicket-taking option during the tournament.
Experienced core remains intact for title bid
Despite a few changes, the backbone of the squad remains unchanged. Captain Harmanpreet will once again lead an experienced group that includes vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, explosive opener Shafali Verma, middle-order mainstay Jemimah Rodrigues, dependable all-rounder Deepti Sharma, and wicketkeeper-batter Ghosh.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Renuka Thakur alongside Arundhati Reddy, while Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud and Nandini Sharma add variety to the bowling department. Bharati Fulmali also retains her place after impressive performances in recent outings. The selectors have also named a five-member reserve list comprising Rawal, Uma Chetry, Vaishnavi Sharma, Sayali Satghare and Minnu Mani, ensuring adequate cover in case of injuries before or during the tournament.
India Women’s squad for Asia Cup 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharati Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Nandini Sharma and Kranti Gaud.
Reserves: Pratika Rawal, Uma Chetry (WK), Vaishnavi Sharma, Sayali Satghare and Minnu Mani
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
