Smriti Mandhana named vice-captain; tournament begins June 12 in England with final at Lord’s on July 5
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in England from June 12 to July 5. Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the side, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain.
The squad features a strong batting lineup including Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali and Richa Ghosh. Meanwhile, Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav return to the side, while uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma and debutant Bharti Fulmali earn maiden World Cup call-ups.
Rodrigues underlined the team’s intent, saying, “We’re hungrier than ever. Winning once has only increased our desire to do it again.” She added that preparations began immediately after the 2025 triumph, recalling coach Amol Muzumdar’s message: “This is where we start for the next World Cup.”
India, the defending champions after their historic win at DY Patil Stadium, are placed in Group 1 alongside Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
They open against Pakistan at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on June 14, before facing the Netherlands (June 17), Australia (June 18), South Africa (June 21) and Bangladesh (June 25). The final will be held at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.
Also Read: 7-Year-Old Ishank Singh Scripts History with Palk Strait Swim
