The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member Indian women’s cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games, reaffirming its faith in experienced skipper Harmanpreet Kaur despite the team’s disappointing exit from the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with India entering the tournament as the defending gold medallists after their historic triumph in Hangzhou in 2023.
Smriti Mandhana has once again been named vice-captain as the selectors opted for continuity while making only a handful of changes to the squad.
Harmanpreet Continues to Lead
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the BCCI’s decision to stick with Harmanpreet Kaur as captain.
Questions had been raised over her leadership following India’s group-stage exit at the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, where defeats against South Africa and Australia ended the team’s campaign earlier than expected.
However, the selectors have chosen to back the veteran batter, recognizing her experience and her successful leadership during India’s gold medal-winning campaign at the previous Asian Games.
With another major title on the line, Harmanpreet will now look to guide India to consecutive Asian Games gold medals.
Familiar Core Retained
The squad largely mirrors the group that represented India at the T20 World Cup, signaling the selectors’ confidence in the existing core despite the recent setback. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are expected to continue opening the batting, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet will provide stability in the middle order. Bharti Fulmali also retains her place among the specialist batters.
Among the all-rounders, Deepti Sharma remains one of India’s most valuable assets, while Shreyanka Patil has been included subject to fitness.
Kamalini Earns Maiden Asian Games Call
One of the notable changes comes in the wicketkeeping department. Yastika Bhatia has been left out of the squad, paving the way for promising young wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini to earn a place alongside Richa Ghosh. The move reflects the selectors’ willingness to invest in emerging talent while maintaining an experienced core around them.
Shreyanka Patil Faces Fitness Race
The only injury concern in the squad surrounds all-rounder Shreyanka Patil. Patil sustained a serious right ankle ligament injury during India’s World Cup match against the Netherlands and is still recovering. While she has been included in the squad, her participation at the Asian Games will depend on receiving medical clearance before the team departs for Japan.
Her off-spin bowling and lower-order batting could prove crucial if she regains full fitness in time.
Strong Bowling Attack for Title Defence
India will once again rely on an experienced pace-spin combination.
Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy are expected to lead the pace attack, while Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, and Nandni Sharma add depth and variety to the bowling unit. The balanced attack gives India multiple options across different conditions as they aim to defend their Asian Games crown.
Eyes on Another Gold—and Beyond
Although India’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, the team has already secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after finishing as the highest-ranked Asian nation in the tournament.
The Asian Games now present an opportunity to bounce back immediately, regain confidence, and reinforce India’s status as the continent’s leading women’s cricket team.
With an experienced leadership group, a settled batting lineup, and a well-rounded bowling attack, India will head to Japan determined to defend the gold medal they won in Hangzhou and add another major title to their growing list of achievements.
India Women’s Squad for 2026 Asian Games
Batters: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali
All-rounders: Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness)
Wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh, G. Kamalini
Bowlers: Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma
