Harmanpreet Kaur to lead as India announce squad for Asian Games 2026
Mumbai, June 30
The Women's Selection Committee has picked India's squad for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September 2026.
The Indian women's cricket team will enter the tournament as defending champions, having secured the gold medal at the previous Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.
Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana named vice-captain.
The squad features a blend of 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 wicketkeeper option.
The bowling unit comprises Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav and Bharti Fulmali, while 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.
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.
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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Harmanpreet is the best captain we have! That 56 off 27 was pure class. But losing to Australia at Lord's shows we need to strengthen our middle order. Jemimah and Deepti need to step up.
Happy to see G. Kamalini getting a chance. She's been consistent in domestic cricket. Selection committee has done well to balance experience and youth. We should defend gold in Asian Games! 🇮🇳
Honestly, our bowling needs a complete overhaul. Australia made 172 look so easy. Kranti Gaud has potential but we need more pace. Shreyanka Patil's fitness is a concern - why include her if she's not fit? 🤔
Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain is the right call. She's our most consistent batter. But we lost to Australia again - same old story. Need to work on fielding and catching. Dropped catches cost us!
Really excited for Asian Games! Our women's team has come a long way. Harmanpreet's captaincy is aggressive and she leads from the front. Shafali and Jemimah need to convert starts into big scores though. Gold is ours if we play smart! 🏆
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