Harmanpreet Kaur to Lead India in Quest for First Women's T20 World Cup Title

Key facts

• Harmanpreet Kaur will captain India for the fifth time at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
• India won the 50-over Women's Cricket World Cup in 2025, beating South Africa in the final.
• The T20 World Cup begins on June 12, 2026, with India's first match against Pakistan on June 14.
• India are in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and South Africa.
• Four players – Bharti Fulmali, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, and Kranti Gaud – will make their T20 World Cup debut.
• India will play a three-match T20I series against England starting May 28 as preparation.
• A one-off Test against England is scheduled for July 10-13 at Lord's, the first Women's Test at the venue.

India Set Sights on T20 World Cup Glory After 50-Over Triumph

India will enter the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 as one of the favorites, buoyed by their recent victory in the 50-over World Cup. The tournament, which begins on June 12, offers Harmanpreet Kaur's side a chance to capture the one major ICC trophy that has eluded them. The squad, announced on [date if known, otherwise omit], features a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh faces. Kaur, leading the team for the fifth time in this tournament, will be supported by a batting lineup that includes Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh.

Four Debutants and Key Returns Shape the 15-Member Squad

The selectors have included four players who will be making their first appearance in a Women's T20 World Cup: Bharti Fulmali, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, and Kranti Gaud. Their inclusion signals a generational shift while maintaining core strength. Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav have been recalled to the squad after missing recent series due to injury. Notably, Amanjot Kaur remains unavailable after also missing the South Africa series with an injury. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh, with support from Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav.

Group A Draw Pits India Against Australia and Pakistan

India have been placed in Group A alongside defending champions Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and South Africa. The group stage presents a stern test, with Australia having dominated the T20 format historically. India will begin their campaign on June 14 against Pakistan, a fixture that always carries high stakes. After a group-stage exit in the 2024 edition, the team will be determined to progress deeper this time. The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals.

Preparation Series Against England Before the World Cup

As final preparation, India will play a three-match T20I series against England, starting on May 28 in Chelmsford, followed by the second T20I on May 30 in Bristol. The same squad will be used for this series, allowing the team to fine-tune combinations. These matches will be crucial for the debutants to acclimatize to English conditions and for the team to build momentum ahead of the World Cup.

Historic One-Off Test at Lord's Scheduled After the World Cup

Following the T20 World Cup, India and England will play a one-off Test match at Lord's from July 10 to 13. This will be the first Women's Test match at the iconic venue, exactly 50 years after Rachel Heyhoe Flint led out an England side on the same ground. India have named a separate 15-member squad for the Test, which includes several players from the T20 squad plus additions like Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Sayali Satghare, and Sneh Rana. The Test will provide a different challenge and an opportunity for India to showcase their skills in the longest format.

India Aim to End Title Drought in T20 Format

India have come close to winning the Women's T20 World Cup on multiple occasions but have always fallen short. With a strong core of players in form and the confidence from their 50-over World Cup win, this edition presents perhaps their best chance. The team's batting depth, with Mandhana and Verma at the top, combined with a varied bowling attack, gives them a balanced look. However, the group stage will be a fierce battle, and India will need to be at their best from the outset to avoid an early exit.

The bottom line

• India's squad for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup includes four debutants and returns of Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav.
• Harmanpreet Kaur will captain India for the fifth time in the tournament, aiming for the title that has eluded them.
• India's first match is against Pakistan on June 14, with Australia also in Group A.
• A three-match T20I series against England in late May serves as preparation.
• A historic one-off Women's Test at Lord's is scheduled for July 10-13 after the World Cup.
• India's recent 50-over World Cup victory adds pressure and expectation for the T20 title.