The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially announced the India Women Asian Games squad for the 2026 edition, which will be held in Aichi Nagoya, Japan, this September. The selectors have picked a 15-member squad that combines experienced stars with a few exciting young players.
The biggest talking point is the decision to retain Harmanpreet Kaur as captain. Despite India’s early exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, the selectors have continued to show faith in her leadership. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice captain.
India Women Squad Asian Games 2026
Here is the full India women squad asian games 2026:
- Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Vice Captain: Smriti Mandhana
- Batters: Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali
- Wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh, G. Kamalini
- All-Rounders and Spinners: Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil
- Fast Bowlers: Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma
Shreyanka Patil’s selection is subject to fitness clearance after her recent ankle injury.
Why Harmanpreet Kaur Remains Captain
The decision to keep Harmanpreet as captain is a clear sign that the BCCI wants stability ahead of a major tournament. India won the gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, and the management believes her experience will be valuable during the title defense.
Although there was criticism after the T20 World Cup, the selectors have chosen continuity over making a sudden change in leadership.
Strong Pace Attack For Japan
One of the biggest strengths of the India Women Asian Games squad is the pace bowling unit.
Renuka Singh Thakur will lead the attack with support from Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, and Nandni Sharma. The selectors have clearly focused on building a strong fast-bowling group, which could be useful on Japanese pitches.
Fresh Options In The Squad
While Richa Ghosh remains the first choice wicketkeeper, the inclusion of G. Kamalini gives India another young option for the future. The squad also keeps a good balance between experienced match winners and rising domestic talents.
What Comes Next?
Before travelling to Japan, the Indian team will play a one-off Test match against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground starting on July 10. The same core group is expected to feature in that match as well.
The India Women squad for Asian Games 2026 has now been confirmed, and all eyes will be on Harmanpreet Kaur and her team as they aim to defend India’s gold medal and continue their success on the international stage.
