The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday announced India's women's cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games, with Harmanpreet Kaur retaining the captaincy for the continental event. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain as India prepares to defend the women's cricket gold medal it won at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. The tournament will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September 2026.
The selection committee has largely retained the core group that represented India at the recent Women's T20 World Cup, despite the team's disappointing campaign. Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia is the only omission from the World Cup squad, with young wicketkeeper G. Kamalini earning a place in the Asian Games team. The selectors have opted for continuity as India looks to successfully defend its title.
All-rounder Shreyanka Patil has also been included in the squad despite recovering from an ankle injury that forced her to miss part of the Women's T20 World Cup. The BCCI clarified that her participation in the Asian Games will be subject to medical clearance and fitness assessment before the tournament. Her inclusion provides India with an additional spin-bowling option if declared fit.
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The batting unit will once again be led by Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh, while the bowling attack features experienced names including Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, Sree Charani, Arundhati Reddy and Nandni Sharma. The squad also includes Bharti Fulmali, Kranti Gaud and Radha Yadav, giving the team a balanced combination of experience and emerging talent.
In its official announcement, the BCCI said the Women's Selection Committee had finalised the squad for the Asian Games, where India will compete as the defending champions after winning the inaugural women's cricket gold medal at the Hangzhou Games. The governing body expressed confidence in the selected group as it aims to continue India's successful run in continental cricket.
India's squad for the 2026 Asian Games comprises Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G. Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav and Nandni Sharma. With a blend of experienced internationals and promising young players, India will head to Japan aiming to retain the Asian Games gold medal.
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