Young all-rounder Anushka Sharma earned her first national call-up as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the Indian women’s five-match T20I away series against South Africa, scheduled for April 17-27.
Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the party and Smriti Mandhana serves as her deputy. The squad features a strong batting unit comprising Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Bharti Fulmali, Uma Chetry and wicketkeeper-spinner Richa Ghosh.
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But all eyes will be on you Anushka, the 22-year-old batting all-rounder, which impressed in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) this year. Signed by Gujarat Giants after fending off bids from Mumbai Indians and Royals challenger Bengaluru, she made an immediate impact. On debut, she made a fluent 44 off 30 balls from No.3 against the UP Warriorz, laying the foundation for Gujarat Giants’ first ever opening win of the WPL season.
She went on to score 177 runs in seven innings at an average of 25.28 and a strike rate of 129.19, becoming one of Gujarat’s most outstanding players, although their campaign ended with a play-off loss to Delhi Capitals.
India’s bowling attack offers a balanced mix of youth and experience. Deepti will spearhead the spin department alongside Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani while Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Gaud form the pace unit.
The series will begin with two matches in Durban on 17 and 19 April, followed by matches in Johannesburg on 22 and 25 April. The T20I final will be played in Benoni on April 27.
Indian T20I squad for South Africa: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
March 24, 2026 10:08 AM IST
