Amita backs India despite Amanjot, Kashvee absences; Nandni gets World Cup call
Synopsis
India's Women's T20 World Cup squad arrives with fresh scars from a South Africa whitewash and fresh injuries to two key all-rounders. Chief selector Amita Sharma's gamble on uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma and the recall of recovering Yastika Bhatia signal a squad rebuild, not a repeat. The real test: whether Harmanpreet Kaur's team can translate preparation time in England into the early wickets that eluded them in South Africa.
Key Takeaways
Chief selector Amita Sharma confirmed that seam-bowling all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam will miss the Women's T20 World Cup due to injury.
Uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma has been handed a maiden World Cup call-up to strengthen the bowling department.
Yastika Bhatia returns after ACL surgery, preferred over Pratika Rawal as primary wicketkeeper-batter.
India managed only two wickets in the powerplay during the 4-1 series loss to South Africa , prompting bowling-focused squad changes.
The team will train at the Centre of Excellence from 10 May , departing for England on 22 May , allowing adequate acclimatisation before the tournament opener on 14 June .
Chief selector Amita Sharma on Saturday acknowledged the challenge of replacing injured seam-bowling all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup in England (12 June to 5 July), but maintained confidence in the squad's ability to compete for the trophy.
The selection committee has handed uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma a maiden World Cup call-up to bolster a bowling unit that struggled during India's 4-1 series loss to South Africa, managing just two wickets in the powerplay across the tour.
The injury crisis and squad adjustments
Kashvee Gautam sustained a serious right knee injury during the South African tour requiring surgery, while Amanjot Kaur's absence leaves a void in the all-rounder department. "Replacing Amanjot is going to be a hard task, as she strengthens all three departments and is an experienced player," Sharma said at the BCCI headquarters. The selector added that the bowling department was the primary concern after the South Africa series, where India's inability to take early wickets proved costly.
Yastika's return and the keeper debate
Yastika Bhatia, recovering from ACL surgery on her left knee that forced her to miss the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, has been recalled as the primary wicketkeeper-batter. The committee preferred her over Pratika Rawal due to her experience and dual skill-set. "Since Yastika is a little bit more experienced, and she gives a wicketkeeping option along with being a top-order batter, we went in that direction," Sharma explained.
Batting concerns and middle-order selections
Despite India scoring 190 and 150-160 in the South Africa series, Sharma flagged batting as an area requiring significant improvement. Bharti Fulmali was preferred over Harleen Deol for the T20I squad, though Harleen remains in the Test team plans. "For T20Is, Fulmali is a little better option," the selector said.
Captain's confidence despite 2024 setback
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur backed the squad to challenge for the title, acknowledging the pressure of India's 2024 Women's T20 World Cup exit from the group stage. "The team that we have finalised today has the calibre to again become champions. What matters is how we prepare ourselves mentally for the big tournament," she said. The captain stressed that the squad has tasted success in every bilateral series since the last World Cup, barring the most recent South Africa tour.
Preparation timeline and England readiness
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia outlined a comprehensive pre-tournament schedule: a seven-day training camp at the Centre of Excellence starting 10 May, followed by a 22 May departure to England. The team will play three T20I matches and two warm-up games before India's tournament opener on 14 June. This schedule contrasts sharply with the South Africa tour, where the squad arrived just two days before the first match, hampering acclimatisation. "We have taken note of every situation, and accordingly, the whole schedule was prepared," Saikia said, emphasising the importance of adequate preparation time in English conditions.
Point of View
It's a pattern. Amita's selection gamble on uncapped Nandni Sharma and the return of an injured Yastika Bhatia suggests the committee is scrambling, not strategising. India's last World Cup group-stage exit should have triggered deeper overhaul; instead, the squad looks patched. The real pressure isn't on Harmanpreet Kaur—it's on whether this hastily restructured unit can find rhythm in England when the tournament begins on 14 June.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam unavailable for the Women's T20 World Cup?
Both players are sidelined by injury. Kashvee Gautam sustained a serious right knee injury during the South Africa tour requiring surgery, while Amanjot Kaur is also unavailable due to injury. Chief selector Amita Sharma called replacing Amanjot 'a hard task' due to her all-round contributions.
Who is Nandni Sharma and why has she been selected?
Nandni Sharma is an uncapped pacer who has been given a maiden World Cup call-up. She was included to strengthen India's bowling department, which struggled during the South Africa series, taking just two wickets in the powerplay across the tour.
Why was Yastika Bhatia recalled over Pratika Rawal?
Yastika Bhatia, recovering from ACL surgery on her left knee, was preferred because of her experience and dual skill-set as both a wicketkeeper and top-order batter. Chief selector Amita Sharma cited Yastika's experience as the deciding factor.
When and where will the Women's T20 World Cup be held?
The Women's T20 World Cup will be held in England from 12 June to 5 July. India's tournament opener is scheduled for 14 June. The squad will arrive in England on 22 May to allow adequate acclimatisation to local conditions.
How does India's preparation schedule differ from the South Africa tour?
The BCCI has planned a seven-day training camp at the Centre of Excellence starting 10 May, followed by a 22 May departure to England. This allows the team to play three T20I matches and two warm-up games before the tournament. During the South Africa tour, the squad arrived just two days before the first match, hampering adjustment to conditions.
