Kashvee Gautam (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: The announcement of India’s squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup threw up a few surprises, but one of the biggest talking points was the absence of all-rounders Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur. The BCCI on Saturday clarified that both players were unavailable for selection due to injuries, forcing the selectors to reassess India’s pace-bowling depth ahead of the England and Wales tournament starting on June 12.With two promising seam-bowling options ruled out, the selectors turned to uncapped paceman Nandini Sharma, who earned her first World Cup call-up after an impressive run in domestic cricket and in the Women’s Premier League. Representing Delhi Capitals Women in WPL 2026, Nandini bagged 17 wickets in 10 matches and emerged as one of India’s standout players in the tournament. She was also part of the Indian team at the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars in Bangkok earlier this year where she continued to impress with her pace and control.India have also welcomed back batsman Yastika Bhatia, who is making a comeback after recovering from an ACL injury sustained during last year’s ODI World Cup warm-up camp. Her inclusion gives the squad additional depth behind the stumps alongside Richa Ghosh.Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal has been left out of the T20 World Cup squad despite being in contention to tour England. However, the selectors kept faith in the young batsman by including her in the squad for the one-off Test against England at Lord’s from July 10-13.India’s World Cup team led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain will first play a three-match T20I series against England from May 28 as preparation for the global tournament.India Women’s Squad for Women’s World Cup T20 2026 and T20I Series vs. EnglandHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Yaud.Indian women’s team for one-off Test against England at Lord’sHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh Thakury, Ranti Satghare, Sathali.
