India Names Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Mumbai: India has announced a formidable 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the UAE from October 3. All-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team as they seek to claim their first T20 World Cup title, having reached the semi-finals in the previous edition.

Harmanpreet Kaur, known for her leadership and explosive batting, will be assisted by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana, one of the most consistent performers for India, is expected to open the batting alongside the dynamic Shafali Verma. The top-order will be further bolstered by Dayalan Hemalatha, providing depth and stability.

India’s batting line-up is formidable, featuring key players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. Richa, who has shown her prowess both behind the stumps and with the bat, will be the designated keeper for the tournament, supported by Yastika Bhatia, pending fitness clearance.

The bowling department is well-rounded with a mix of pace and spin options. Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana, Sajana Sajeevan, and Shreyanka Patil make up a strong bowling unit. Deepti Sharma, known for her all-round capabilities, will be a key player, contributing with both bat and ball.

India’s squad is packed with all-rounders, including captain Harmanpreet, Deepti, Sajana Sajeevan, and Asha Sobhana, offering the team flexibility in both batting and bowling.

The selection of Yastika Bhatia and Shreyanka Patil is subject to their fitness, as both players have been recovering from injuries in recent months. India has also named three traveling reserves: wicketkeeper Uma Chetry, Tanuja Kanwer, and Saima Thakor, to ensure cover for any contingencies during the tournament.

The Women in Blue are placed in Group A, alongside defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, in what promises to be a highly competitive group stage.

India is set to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai.

India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan

Traveling Reserves: Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwar, Saima Thakor

Non-Traveling Reserves: Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra