New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has unveiled the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match Women’s T20 International series against South Africa, scheduled to be played from April 17 to April 27 on South African soil.
The team will once again be led by experienced skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, with star opener Smriti Mandhana named as vice-captain. The squad features a strong mix of established performers and emerging talent as India looks to fine-tune preparations in the T20 format.
The batting unit includes aggressive opener Shafali Verma, stylish middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues, all-rounder Deepti Sharma, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, along with Bharti Fulmali and Uma Chetry, adding depth to the lineup.
The highlight of the squad announcement is the inclusion of young batter Anushka Sharma, who has earned her maiden call-up to the national team. The 22-year-old impressed in the Women’s Premier League 2026 season while playing for Gujarat Giants, scoring 177 runs in seven innings at an average of 25.28 and a strike rate of 129.19.
Despite her team falling short of the final after a playoff loss to Delhi Capitals, Anushka’s consistent performances caught the selectors’ attention. Representing Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, she now stands on the brink of making her international debut during the South Africa tour.
India’s spin department will be spearheaded by Deepti Sharma alongside Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani, while the pace attack will be led by Renuka Singh Thakur, supported by Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Goud.
The series will begin with the first two matches in Durban on April 17 and 19, followed by games in Johannesburg on April 22 and 25. The final T20I will be played in Benoni on April 27.
India Women’s Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Uma Chetry (Wicketkeeper), and Anushka Sharma.
The series is expected to provide valuable match practice ahead of a packed international calendar, while also offering young talents like Anushka Sharma a platform to make their mark on the global stage.
