Harmanpreet Kaur to Lead Strong Indian Squad in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Harmanpreet Kaur will captain a formidable 15-member Indian team in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. Starting on October 3, India will face New Zealand in their opening match, and Pakistan on October 6. The squad is a balanced mix of experienced players and new talent.

All-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur will captain a compelling 15-member Indian team for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. India has unveiled their squad ahead of the tournament, set to commence on October 3. The Women in Blue will launch their campaign against New Zealand on October 4, with a marquee clash against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled for October 6. Having reached the semi-finals in the previous edition, India finds itself in Group A, alongside Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Harmanpreet will receive support from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who is anticipated to open the batting with Shafali Verma, while Dayalan Hemalatha presents another top-order option. Among the key players, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh are expected to bolster a strong batting lineup, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Richa Ghosh has been designated as the primary wicketkeeper, with Yastika Bhatia as her backup. Bowling options include Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana, Sajana Sajeevan, and Shreyanka Patil. The squad features several all-rounders, including Harmanpreet, Sajana, Sobhana, and Deepti. Selections of Yastika and Shreyanka are pending fitness assessments, as both have recently battled injuries. Additionally, India will have three traveling reserves for the tournament in the UAE.

In last year's T20 World Cup, Australia emerged victorious over South Africa by 19 runs to claim their sixth title. India had progressed to the semifinals, where they were narrowly defeated by the Australians by five runs. The announced squad includes Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, and Sajana Sajeevan. Traveling reserves are Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, and Saima Thakor. Non-traveling reserves include Raghvi Bist and Priya Mishra.

(With inputs from agencies.)