Mumbai, Aug 27 (UNI) India on Tuesday announced a formidable 15-member squad led by all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to start on October 3 in the UAE.
Harmanpreet will be supported by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who is expected to open the batting alongside the explosive Shafali Verma. The batting line-up is further strengthened by the inclusion of Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, forming a solid core at the top and middle order. Dayalan Hemalatha also provides a reliable top-order option.
The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar, with spin options coming from Radha Yadav and Asha Sobhana. Deepti Sharma, who plays a dual role as a key all-rounder, will offer both batting depth and spin variation. The squad also features several versatile all-rounders, including Sajana Sajeevan and Shreyanka Patil, whose abilities will be crucial in the multi-faceted challenges posed by the tournament.
Richa Ghosh has been named the primary wicketkeeper, with Yastika Bhatia as a backup, though her selection remains contingent on her fitness. Similarly, the fitness of all-rounder Shreyanka Patil will be closely monitored as the team prepares for the event. India has also named three traveling reserves, ensuring they are well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances during the competition.
The squad:
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia* (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil*, Sajana Sajeevan
Travelling Reserves:
Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, Saima Thakor
Non-Travelling Reserves:
Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra
India, placed in Group A, will face strong competition from teams like Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
