Just days after their disappointing exit from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the Indian women’s cricket team has quickly shifted its focus towards another major international assignment. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with defending champions India set to begin their quest for a second consecutive gold medal.
The selectors have largely retained faith in the group that represented India at the T20 World Cup, making only one significant change to the squad. Teenage wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini replaces Yastika Bhatia, while off-spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil returns subject to fitness clearance following the ankle injury that ruled her out midway through the World Cup.
Experienced skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. The squad features a blend of established internationals and promising youngsters as India prepares to defend the gold medal they won at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.
The only change from the World Cup squad sees 17-year-old Kamalini rewarded for her rapid rise through the domestic ranks. The young wicketkeeper-batter has already made her T20I debut for India and impressed during the Women’s Premier League while representing Mumbai Indians. Her fearless batting, athletic wicketkeeping and ability to adapt under pressure have made her one of India’s brightest emerging talents.
Kamalini replaces Yastika Bhatia, whose difficult World Cup campaign saw her score just 41 runs across three innings. While Bhatia has been a regular member of India’s white-ball setup over the past few years, the selectors have opted to invest in Kamalini’s potential ahead of an important multi-sport event. Another positive for India is the return of Shreyanka Patil. The off-spinning all-rounder suffered an ankle ligament injury during India’s World Cup clash against the Netherlands, forcing her to withdraw from the remainder of the tournament. Her inclusion in the Asian Games squad, however, remains subject to fitness clearance.
Patil’s return means leg-spinner Prema Rawat, who was drafted into the World Cup squad as her replacement, misses out on selection for the continental event. The remainder of the squad remains unchanged, reflecting the selectors’ confidence in the team’s experienced core despite the disappointment of the World Cup campaign. Regulars including Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy continue to form the backbone of the side, while youngsters Bharti Fulmali, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani and Nandni Sharma also retain their places.
India enter the Asian Games as overwhelming favourites after winning the inaugural women’s cricket gold medal at Hangzhou in 2023. On that occasion, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated Bangladesh in the semi-finals before overcoming Sri Lanka in the gold medal match to secure India’s first-ever Asian Games cricket title.
The women’s cricket competition in Aichi-Nagoya will feature eight teams: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and China. The tournament is expected to follow a knockout format similar to the previous edition, with the higher-ranked teams receiving direct entry into the latter stages.
The squad announcement also comes at a significant moment for Indian women’s cricket. Earlier this week, India officially secured qualification for the cricket competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after finishing as the highest-ranked eligible Asian team during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualification process. That achievement has ensured India will feature when women’s cricket makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.
For the players, the Asian Games provide an opportunity to bounce back after their World Cup disappointment. India narrowly missed a place in the semi-finals despite producing competitive performances against some of the world’s strongest teams. The selectors have clearly prioritised continuity, believing that the existing group possesses the quality and experience needed to return to winning ways.
The inclusion of Kamalini also signals India’s long-term vision. At just 17, she represents the next generation of Indian cricketers expected to carry the team into future ICC tournaments and the Olympic era. Her selection alongside experienced campaigners creates a healthy balance between youth and experience.
With Harmanpreet Kaur continuing to lead a settled squad, India will travel to Japan aiming to defend their continental crown and reinforce their status as one of Asia’s dominant forces in women’s cricket. Success at the Asian Games would not only add another gold medal to India’s collection but also provide valuable momentum as the team builds towards an exciting cycle that includes the 2028 Olympic Games.
India squad for 2026 Asian Games
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness clearance), Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma
