India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026 has officially been announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with only one major change from the squad selected for the upcoming Asian Games. The selectors have largely retained the core group while rewarding young wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini with another opportunity and handing Prema Rawat a place in the squad after Shreyanka Patil failed to regain full fitness.
One notable omission is Yastika Bhatia, who continues to miss out despite producing an impressive century in the recent Lord’s Test. The selectors have once again preferred 18-year-old G Kamalini, showing confidence in the youngster ahead of the continental tournament.
India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026: Yastika Bhatia Left Out Again
The biggest talking point in the India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026 is the continued absence of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia. Although she impressed with a brilliant hundred in the Lord’s Test, the selection committee has decided not to include her in the Asia Cup squad.
Instead, teenage wicketkeeper G Kamalini has retained her place in the team. The 18-year-old is regarded as one of India’s brightest young prospects, and the selectors appear keen to continue investing in her development ahead of future international assignments.
Shreyanka Patil Misses Out Due to Injury
The only change from the previously announced Asian Games squad involves all-rounder Shreyanka Patil.
Patil has not been included in the India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026, indicating that she has not yet fully recovered from the ankle injury that ruled her out during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The injury forced her to leave the tournament midway, creating an opportunity for leg-spinning all-rounder Prema Rawat.
After evaluating the situation, the selectors have decided to retain Rawat in the Asia Cup squad as Patil continues her rehabilitation.
Prema Rawat Gets Another Opportunity
Prema Rawat received her maiden World Cup opportunity after replacing the injured Shreyanka Patil. Although she featured in only one match during the tournament, the selectors have shown faith in her potential.
In her only World Cup appearance against South Africa, Rawat remained unbeaten on 3 runs from two deliveries. With the ball, she bowled two overs, conceded 21 runs, and was unable to take a wicket.
India later suffered defeat against Australia in their final league-stage match, ending their World Cup campaign. Despite limited international experience, Rawat has done enough to retain her place in the India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026.
Asian Games Squad Remains Mostly Unchanged
When the Indian squad for the 2026 Asian Games was announced on June 30, Shreyanka Patil had been included, but her selection was subject to fitness clearance. Since she has not recovered completely, the selectors have made just one adjustment by keeping Prema Rawat in the squad.
Apart from this change, the squad remains identical to the group preparing for the Asian Games, reflecting the management’s confidence in the current combination.
Asia Cup 2026 Schedule Yet to Be Announced
The official schedule for the Asia Cup 2026 has not been released yet. However, the tournament is expected to take place from the end of August until the middle of September.
Shortly after the Asia Cup concludes, the Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Japan from September 17 to September 22. The back-to-back tournaments will provide India with an important opportunity to build momentum in the lead-up to future international competitions.
Meanwhile, several senior Indian players, including vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, are currently competing in The Hundred tournament in England.
India Women Squad for Asia Cup 2026
The India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026 is as follows:
Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
Shafali Verma
Jemimah Rodrigues
Bharti Fulmali
Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
G Kamalini (Wicketkeeper)
Deepti Sharma
Radha Yadav
Prema Rawat
Arundhati Reddy
Kranti Gaud
Renuka Singh
Shree Charani
Nandini Sharma
Reserve Players
Pratika Rawal
Uma Chetry (Wicketkeeper)
Vaishnavi Sharma
Sayali Satghare
Minnu Mani
Also read: UAE Women Qualify For U19 T20 World Cup: UAE Beat Malaysia by One Run to Secure Spot in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027
India Aim for Another Strong Asia Cup Campaign
With a balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners and promising young cricketers, India will enter the continental championship as one of the strongest contenders for the title. The leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, combined with the experience of Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, provides stability, while emerging talents like G Kamalini and Prema Rawat add fresh energy to the squad.
As fans await the official Asia Cup schedule, the India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026 reflects the selectors’ strategy of maintaining continuity while preparing the next generation of players for major international tournaments. All eyes will now be on India’s performance as they look to add another Asia Cup trophy to their impressive record.
