Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a 15-member squad,led by Harmanpreet Kaur, for 2026 Asian Games. Tournament kicks off in Aichi-Nagoya,Japan, from September 19 to October 4. India will defend its title as reigning champs in women's cricket.
Selection committee stuck with familiar faces,keeping most from recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Only change? G. Kamalini replaces Yastika Bhatia. Shows committee's faith in players who've excelled internationally.
Key bats include Shafali Verma,Jemimah Rodrigues,and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Middle order anchored by star all-rounder Deepti Sharma. Wicketkeeping duties shared between Richa Ghosh and Kamalini. Pace attack led by swing specialist Renuka Singh Thakur and seasoned bowler Arundhati Reddy.
Spin department features Radha Yadav,a left-arm orthodox bowler,and off-spinner Shreyanka Patil. But Patil’s spot depends on fitness, recovering from twisted ankle that sidelined her during T20 World Cup.
Cricket returns to Asian Games after successful 2022 inclusion, following hiatus since 2018. Fourth time cricket part of Asian Games. Debuted as medal event in Guangzhou 2010, reappeared in Incheon 2014. Those matches weren't international fixtures .
India's squad for 2026 Asian Games: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain),Shafali Verma,Jemimah Rodrigues,Deepti Sharma,Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK),Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani,Renuka Thakur,Kranti Gaud,Arundhati Reddy,Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma.
