The Women's Selection Committee has announced India's squad for the Asian Games 2026, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September 2026. India enters the tournament as defending champions, having secured gold at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Squad Leadership and Key Players
Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana appointed as vice-captain. The squad blends experienced campaigners and young talent, including Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. G. Kamalini has also been included as a wicketkeeping option.
Bowling Attack and Depth
The bowling unit features Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, and Bharti Fulmali. Sree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, and Nandni Sharma add further depth to the squad. Shreyanka Patil's selection is subject to fitness clearance, the board noted.
Recent Performance and Context
Meanwhile, Australia Women sealed a six-wicket win over India Women at Lord's to book their semi-final spot and eliminate India from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing a record 171, Australia reached 172/4 in the 19th over, powered by unbeaten half-centuries from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner after recovering from 72/3. Earlier, Harmanpreet Kaur's explosive 56 off 27 balls, along with useful contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, guided India to 170/4, but the total proved insufficient.
Full Squad
India's squad for the 2026 Asian Games: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil*, Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shreyanka Patil's inclusion is subject to fitness clearance.
