Nandini Sharma of Chandigarh named in India Women's squad for 2026 Asian Games
Synopsis
Chandigarh's Nandini Sharma has earned a double honour — a spot in India's Asian Games squad and a berth in the Women's T20 World Cup side for England. Her rise through UTCA, Punjab age-group cricket, and the WPL's Delhi Capitals is a textbook case of domestic pathways delivering at the highest level, just as India prepare to defend their Asian Games gold in Japan.
Key Takeaways
Nandini Sharma of Chandigarh has been selected in the Indian Women's cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan .
The Games are scheduled for September 2026 ; India enter as defending champions after winning gold at Hangzhou 2023 .
Nandini has represented Punjab and UTCA at the Under-19 , Under-23 , and Senior levels in BCCI tournaments.
Her stint with Delhi Capitals Women in the WPL and her India A appearance at the ACC Rising Star Women's Asia Cup were key to her selection.
She is also part of the Indian squad for the Women's T20 World Cup in England .
UTCA President Saraansh Tandon credited her 'dedication, discipline and consistent performances' for the honour.
Chandigarh cricketer Nandini Sharma has been selected in the Indian Women's cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in September 2026. The selection marks a landmark moment for the Union Territory Cricket Association (UTCA), which has been nurturing her talent across age-group and senior domestic circuits.
India Enter as Defending Champions
The Indian women's team will step onto the field in Japan as defending champions, having claimed the gold medal at the previous edition of the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023. Retaining the title will be a primary objective for the squad, and Nandini's inclusion signals the selectors' confidence in her match-readiness at the highest level.
A Career Built on Domestic Consistency
Nandini's path to the national squad has been built on years of consistent performances across multiple formats and age groups. She has represented both Punjab and UTCA in BCCI-organised tournaments at the Under-19, Under-23, and Senior levels. Her outings in marquee domestic competitions — including the Senior Women's Inter-Zonal tournaments, the Women's T20 Challenger Trophy, and the Senior Women's One-Day Challenger Trophy — have repeatedly placed her among the standout performers.
Earlier in 2026, she represented India A in the ACC Rising Star Women's Asia Cup, gaining valuable exposure to international-level opposition. That experience is seen as a key stepping stone toward her Asian Games call-up.
WPL Stint a Turning Point
Nandini's association with Delhi Capitals Women in the Women's Premier League (WPL) is widely regarded as a turning point in her development. Competing against some of the world's leading cricketers in the franchise league sharpened her skills and raised her profile with national selectors. Her WPL performances are also credited with securing her a berth in the Indian squad for the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup in England.
UTCA Hails the Selection
UTCA President Saraansh Tandon expressed pride over the development. 'Nandini's selection in the Indian team for the Asian Games is a matter of immense pride for Chandigarh and UTCA. She has earned this opportunity through her dedication, discipline and consistent performances over the years. We are confident that she will make a significant contribution to the Indian team and continue to inspire young cricketers from the region,' Tandon said.
What to Watch
With the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya approaching in September, India will be looking to defend their gold under the spotlight of continental cricket. Nandini's twin assignments — the Women's T20 World Cup in England and the Asian Games — make the coming months a defining stretch in her international career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nandini Sharma and why has she been selected for the 2026 Asian Games?
Nandini Sharma is a cricketer from Chandigarh who has been selected in the Indian Women's squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Her selection follows consistent performances in BCCI domestic tournaments, the ACC Rising Star Women's Asia Cup with India A, and the Women's Premier League with Delhi Capitals Women.
When and where are the 2026 Asian Games being held?
The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in September 2026. India's women's cricket team will participate as defending champions, having won gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games in China in 2023.
What domestic tournaments has Nandini Sharma played in?
Nandini has played in the Senior Women's Inter-Zonal tournaments, the Women's T20 Challenger Trophy, and the Senior Women's One-Day Challenger Trophy, representing both Punjab and UTCA at Under-19, Under-23, and Senior levels.
How did the Women's Premier League help Nandini Sharma's career?
Her performances for Delhi Capitals Women in the WPL gave her exposure to world-class competition and raised her profile with national selectors. The WPL stint is credited with earning her a place in the Indian squad for the Women's T20 World Cup in England as well.
What did UTCA say about Nandini Sharma's selection?
UTCA President Saraansh Tandon called the selection 'a matter of immense pride for Chandigarh and UTCA,' adding that Nandini had earned the opportunity through 'dedication, discipline and consistent performances over the years.'
