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BCCI Announces Indian Women's Squad for Asian Games 2026 : Despite an early exit from the group stage of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, the BCCI has retained its faith in captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The 15-member Indian women's squad for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4 has been announced, with Harmanpreet set to lead the team. Smriti Mandhana will continue as the vice-captain.
India to Enter as Defending Champions
The Indian women's team will enter the tournament as defending champions. India won the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. It is worth noting that cricket matches at the Asian Games are played in the T20 format.
Major Changes in Team Squad
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There is only one major change in this squad compared to the World Cup team:
- Yastika Bhatia Dropped: Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been dropped from the team.
- Opportunity for G Kamalini: G Kamalini has been included in the 15-member squad in place of Yastika.
- Shreyanka Patil's Fitness: All-rounder Shreyanka Patil, who is recovering from an ankle injury, has been retained in the squad, though her participation will depend entirely on her fitness.
T20 World Cup Performance and Olympic Ticket
In the recently concluded World Cup in England, India defeated Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands but was eliminated in the group stage after losses to South Africa and Australia. However, as the highest-ranked Asian team, India has directly qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India Women's Squad for Asian Games 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), G. Kamalini (Wicketkeeper), Bharti Fulmali, Sri Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Nandini Sharma.
