The series, kicking off on April 17 in Durban, serves as the final high-stakes audition for players ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England this June.
The WPL Effect
The selections heavily reflect performances from the recently concluded 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Anushka Sharma: The Gujarat Giants star earned her maiden senior call-up after a prolific WPL season, where she finished as the top Indian run-getter for her side, scoring 177 runs in 7 matches.
Kashvee Gautam: After impressive displays in the domestic circuit and 8 wickets in the WPL, Gautam—who has already debuted in Tests and ODIs—is now poised to earn her first T20I cap.
Squad Dynamics
Harmanpreet Kaur continues to lead the side, supported by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Notably, the selectors have opted to rest or drop several veterans, including Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur, to evaluate bench strength. Uma Chetry returns as a second wicketkeeping option alongside Richa Ghosh.
India Women’s T20I Squad:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Uma Chetry (WK), Anushka Sharma.
Tour Itinerary
The series will be played across three venues:
April 17 & 19: Kingsmead, Durban
April 22 & 25: The Wanderers, Johannesburg
April 27: Willowmoore Park, Benoni
