In a step towards preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa.
The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur and includes uncapped batter Anushka Sharma, who has received her first national call-up following an impressive Women’s Premier League campaign with Gujarat Giants during the tournament’s fourth edition. Seam-bowling allrounder Kashvee Gautam is also in line for a potential T20I debut, while wicketkeeper Uma Chetry returns to the setup.
The tour will take place from April 17 to April 27, with India facing Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa side in Durban, Johannesburg, and Benoni. The series serves as an important assignment following India’s 2-1 T20I series victory over Australia earlier this year.
Anushka Sharma has drawn attention after a strong WPL performance in which she scored 177 runs across seven matches at an average of 25.28 and a strike rate of 129.19. Kashvee Gautam, who already has experience in one Test and six ODIs, was also part of the recent Australia tour and will look to make an impact if she makes her T20I debut. The pace department features Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Gaud.
Uma Chetry’s return provides additional wicketkeeping cover, having missed the Australia series. Her inclusion strengthens the options behind the stumps and reflects continued backing from the selectors.
Compared to the 16-player squad that travelled to Australia, several changes have been made. Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, who played all five T20Is against Sri Lanka but had limited opportunities in Australia, has been left out, along with 17-year-old G Kamalini, allrounder Amanjot Kaur, and Sneh Rana. The spin responsibilities are now centred on Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani, and Shreyanka Patil.
India Women Squad for South Africa T20Is
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Uma Chetry (WK), Anushka Sharma
The series will begin in Durban with fixtures on April 17 and 19, before moving to Johannesburg for matches scheduled on April 22 and 25. The final T20I will be played in Benoni on April 27. As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will aim to build on their recent success in Australia while assessing combinations and providing opportunities to emerging players against a strong South African lineup.
