MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals pacer Nandani Sharma has earned her maiden India call-up for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in England, following the BCCI's announcement of a 15-member squad on Saturday. This selection marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Breakthrough WPL Season
The 24-year-old uncapped seamer from Chandigarh forced her way into contention with a standout debut WPL season, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps in 10 matches for runners-up Delhi Capitals. Her campaign was highlighted by a hat-trick in just her second match, establishing her as one of the season's breakout stars.
Historic Test Call-Up
Nandani has also been selected for the historic one-off Test at Lord's scheduled for July 10, immediately after the T20 World Cup. This Test marks India's first at the iconic venue in women's cricket.
Squad Changes and Injuries
The squad sees the return of wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, while Anushka Sharma and Uma Chetry miss out. Injuries ruled out promising allrounders Amanjot Kaur (back) and Kashvee Gautam (knee), opening the door for Radha's recall and strengthening India's spin depth alongside Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, and Shree Charani.
Chief selector Amita Sharma explained that Kashvee will undergo surgery, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed Amanjot could be sidelined for up to five months. Yastika returns after an ACL surgery that ruled her out of the 2025 ODI World Cup; she last played a T20I in April 2024. Her comeback adds experience to the lower-middle order and wicketkeeping group led by Richa Ghosh.
Experience and Preparation
Radha Yadav, who has featured in 89 T20Is and taken 103 wickets, returns for her fifth T20 World Cup, bringing experience and control to India's bowling attack. India will open their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham and are placed in a challenging Group A alongside Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.
The squad will assemble for a pre-tournament camp at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence from May 10 before heading to England for a three-match T20I series, which will serve as preparation.
Captain's Ambition
Harmanpreet Kaur, set to feature in her 10th T20 World Cup and lead India for the fifth time, will aim to end India's wait for a maiden T20 World Cup title after their 50-over World Cup triumph.
Squads
T20 World Cup squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Bharti Fulmali, Yastika Bhatia, Nandni Sharma, Radha Yadav.
Squad for one-off Test: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana.
