India Names T20I Squad for South Africa Series: Anushka Sharma Earns Maiden Call-Up

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced a 15-member squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the South Africa Women’s Cricket Team, starting April 17. The roster features the maiden international call-up of all-rounder Anushka Sharma following her strong performances in the domestic circuit and the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Anushka Sharma Rewarded for WPL 2026 Form

Anushka Sharma, an emerging all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, earned her spot after finishing as the most expensive uncapped player in the 2026 WPL auction. Acquired by the Gujarat Giants for Rs 45 lakh, she scored 177 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 129.19. Her campaign included a match-winning 103-run partnership with Ashleigh Gardner against the UP Warriorz.

In the national U-23 tournament, Sharma accumulated 322 runs across eight innings, recording two centuries and maintaining a strike rate of 128.28. Her domestic career includes stints with Madhya Pradesh Women, India C, and the Central Zone.

Squad Changes and Key Inclusions

Bharti Fulmali retains her place in the squad after returning during the February tour of Australia, offering stability in the middle order. Fast bowler Kashvee Gautam joins the pace attack alongside Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy. The selection committee omitted senior spin-bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, and Vaishnavi Sharma, who featured in the recent Australian series.

India Women’s 15-Member T20I Squad

• Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
• Vice-Captain: Smriti Mandhana
• Batters: Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Kranti Gaud
• Wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry
• All-rounders: Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Anushka Sharma, Sree Charani
• Bowlers: Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kashvee Gautam

Preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup

The series against South Africa serves as the primary preparation phase for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 12 in England. India and South Africa are drawn into the same World Cup group, which also features Australia, Pakistan, and two qualifiers. This bilateral series marks the first meeting between the two nations since India defeated South Africa to win the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in the 50-over format.

India vs South Africa T20I Series Schedule