Anushka Sharma Receives First Call-Up to India's T20I Squad for South Africa Series
Synopsis
India's cricket squad for the T20I series against South Africa, starting April 17, features Anushka Sharma on her debut call-up. Catch the complete details on the matches and players making waves ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
Key Takeaways
Anushka Sharma earns her first national call-up.
Five-match T20I series against South Africa starts April 17.
Squad includes experienced players and new talent.
Series serves as preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
India and South Africa are in the same group for the T20 World Cup.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Indian cricket team has announced a 15-member squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, commencing April 17. This squad features Anushka Sharma, who is receiving her first call-up.
The five-match T20I series kicks off with two matches in Durban on April 17 and 19, followed by two consecutive games in Johannesburg on April 22 and 25, and wrapping up with the final T20I in Benoni on April 27.
The 22-year-old all-rounder from the Gujarat Giants, Anushka, has been acknowledged for her exceptional performance in the recently finished WPL 2026, where she became the most expensive uncapped player. She played a crucial role in the Indian team’s victory at the Rising Stars Women’s Asia Cup.
Additionally, Bharti Fulmali has secured her place in the squad following her return during the Australia tour in February, enhancing the depth of the middle order.
Fast bowler Kashvee Gautam is also part of the touring squad, bolstering India’s pace attack alongside Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy.
On the other hand, senior spinner Sneh Rana has been excluded, along with young talent Vaishnavi Sharma, who participated in the T20I series against Australia in February, and all-rounder Amanjot Kaur.
This series is a preparatory step leading up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on June 12 in England.
India and South Africa, who faced off in the finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, will meet again for the first time since India triumphed over the Proteas to claim the world champion title in the 50-over format.
Both teams have been drawn into the same group for the T20 World Cup along with Australia, Pakistan, and two qualifying teams.
India’s squad for the South Africa tour includes: 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.
Match Schedule:
1st T20I - April 17, Durban
2nd T20I - April 19, Durban
3rd T20I - April 22, Johannesburg
4th T20I - April 25, Johannesburg
5th T20I - April 27, Benoni
Point of View
It is vital to note the significance of Anushka Sharma's inclusion in the Indian squad. This not only highlights her exceptional performance but also showcases India's commitment to nurturing young talent ahead of a major tournament. The strategic selection aims to bolster the team’s chances in the T20 World Cup.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the T20I series against South Africa start?
The T20I series against South Africa begins on April 17.
Who is leading the Indian cricket team for this series?
The Indian cricket team is led by Harmanpreet Kaur.
How many matches are in the T20I series?
There are five matches in the T20I series.
What is the significance of Anushka Sharma's call-up?
Anushka Sharma's call-up marks her debut in the national team, recognizing her outstanding performance in the WPL 2026.
When does the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 start?
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 starts on June 12.
