India Announces Squad for Women’s T20 World Cup: Nandani Sharma Earns Maiden Call-up
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A Fresh Look for India’s World Cup Campaign
With the Women’s T20 World Cup set to take center stage in England this June and July, the Indian selection committee has opted for a strategic overhaul of their roster. Following a challenging 4-1 series defeat in South Africa, the team management has introduced key changes aimed at addressing the bowling deficiencies that plagued the side during their previous outing.
New Faces and Returning Talents
The most exciting inclusion is undoubtedly pace bowler Nandani Sharma. A standout performer in the most recent Women’s Premier League (WPL), Nandani made waves while representing the Delhi Capitals. Playing all ten matches for the runners-up, she finished as the joint-top wicket-taker with 17 scalps. Her composure, accuracy, and lethal variations culminated in a historic hat-trick against the Gujarat Giants—a first for an uncapped Indian player in the league. Her inclusion provides the pace battery with a dynamic new option that captain Harmanpreet Kaur is eager to utilize.
Alongside Nandani, the squad welcomes back the experienced Yastika Bhatia and spin-bowling allrounder Radha Yadav. Bhatia, who has been sidelined since her last appearance in April 2024, has completed a long recovery process following ACL surgery in October. Radha Yadav, a veteran of 89 T20Is and 103 wickets, brings essential stability to the spin department. Her return is particularly significant as she prepares for her fifth T20 World Cup appearance.
Addressing Injury Concerns
The selection process was inevitably influenced by injury setbacks. Allrounder Amanjot Kaur remains unavailable for selection as she continues to recover from a back injury, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirming she will be sidelined for four to five months. Additionally, Kashvee Gautam, initially tapped as a replacement, has also been ruled out after sustaining a right knee injury that will require surgery.
Chief selector Amita Sharma addressed the media in Mumbai, explaining the rationale behind the team changes. “The bowling department let us down in South Africa,” Amita remarked. “We were not able to take wickets. The idea with the coach and captain was to strengthen the bowling and ensure we can take early wickets to put pressure on the opposition.”
The Road to Lord’s
The same squad will also participate in the vital three-match bilateral T20I series against England, starting May 28, which will serve as the perfect preparation for the main event. India’s World Cup campaign kicks off on June 14 against Pakistan in Birmingham. Placed in Group 1 alongside formidable opponents including Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh, India faces a rigorous path to the knockout stages.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur—who is set to captain her fifth T20 World Cup campaign—India remains hungry for their first T20 World Cup title. While they currently hold the status of ODI champions, the T20 format has proven elusive, with their best finish under Harmanpreet being the 2020 final against Australia. With a balanced mix of youth and experience, the team is looking to turn the page on their 2024 group-stage exit and make a deep run into the final, which is scheduled for July 5 at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground.
Full India Squad
- Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Vice-captain: Smriti Mandhana
- Batters/Allrounders: Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani
- Wicket-keepers: Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia
- Bowlers: Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma, Radha Yadav
The stage is set for a thrilling summer of cricket. As the team prepares for the opening clash in Birmingham, fans will be watching closely to see if this blend of high-potential newcomers and seasoned professionals can lead India to glory on the global stage.
