Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma has joined Trinbago Knight Riders for the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League. Sushma Verma’s Trinbago Knight Riders move follows Yastika Bhatia’s leaving the Caribbean to take up an important India A assignment. Verma will now become part of TKR’s squad for their title challenge, including the WCPL 2026 final at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
Yastika Bhatia Leaves TKR for India A Duty
Yastika Bhatia was forced to leave the Yastika Bhatia WCPL campaign after receiving a national call-up to captain the India A women’s team. She will lead India A in a multi-format home series against Australia A, beginning with a three-match 50-over series on September 20 before the teams play a four-day contest.
Bhatia’s departure is a significant change for TKR because she was one of their leading contributors during the tournament. She left the competition as the second-highest run-scorer, including an unbeaten 57 from 34 balls against Jamaica Empress and a quick 35 against Barbados Royals.
Her absence leaves TKR without an important top order batter heading into the most important match of their campaign. The franchise therefore moved quickly to bring in experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma.
Sushma Verma Returns to Franchise Cricket
For Sushma Verma, the WCPL 2026 opportunity represents a return to top-level franchise cricket. Verma last played a competitive match for India in 2021 and was later part of the national setup as a reserve during the 2023 South Africa tri-series.
Her only previous franchise experience came with Gujarat Giants during the inaugural Women’s Premier League season in 2023. Her return to franchise cricket comes after a strong domestic campaign in which she showed greater attacking intent with the bat.
During the 2025-26 Indian domestic one-day competition, Verma struck nine sixes across six innings, demonstrating an improved power-hitting game. Speaking about her move, Verma said that being part of the WCPL was special and described the opportunity as the result of the work she had put into her T20 game.
Sixth Indian Player in WCPL 2026
Verma becomes the sixth Indian player to feature in the 2026 WCPL season. She joins Shikha Pandey at Trinbago Knight Riders, while Pooja Vastrakar, Harleen Deol and Kiran Navgire are part of the Barbados Royals setup.
Her experience as a wicketkeeper-batter gives TKR another option as they prepare for their final. The franchise finished at the top of the four-team league table and secured direct qualification for the title clash.
TKR Prepare for WCPL Final
TKR will now turn their attention towards the WCPL 2026 final at Kensington Oval. They will face the winner of the playoff between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Royals.
The arrival of Verma gives TKR an experienced replacement after Yastika Bhatia’s India A commitments took their regular wicketkeeper-batter away from the competition. With the title at stake, Verma will have an immediate opportunity to make an impact and help TKR complete their campaign with the WCPL trophy.
