The Women’s Selection Committee has retained Harmanpreet Kaur as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team for the 2026 Asian Games, ending speculation about her future following India’s early exit from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
India will head to the continental event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as the defending champions after winning the gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Harmanpreet to Continue Leading India
Despite India’s failure to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup, the selectors have placed their faith in Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership.
The experienced batter will once again lead the Women in Blue as they aim to defend their Asian Games title.
Star opener Smriti Mandhana has been appointed vice-captain for the tournament.
Shreyanka Patil Included, Subject to Fitness
All-rounder Shreyanka Patil has been included in the squad, although her participation will depend on receiving fitness clearance before the tournament.
The squad also features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent as India prepares for another major international competition.
Harmanpreet’s T20 World Cup Campaign
Harmanpreet scored 141 runs in five matches during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Her best performance came against Australia in India’s final Group A match, where she scored a fighting 56 runs. However, India fell short in that crucial fixture and failed to qualify for the semi-finals.
India began the tournament with victories over Pakistan and the Netherlands but later lost to South Africa before suffering a decisive defeat against Australia, ending their campaign.
Head Coach Backed Harmanpreet
Following India’s World Cup exit, head coach Amol Muzumdar expressed support for Harmanpreet’s continuation as captain.
When asked whether he wanted her to remain skipper, Muzumdar replied that he would like to see her continue in the leadership role, while noting that the final decision rested with the selectors.
The latest squad announcement confirms that the selection committee has continued to back Harmanpreet’s leadership ahead of the Asian Games.
India to Play Test at Lord’s Before Asian Games
Before travelling to Japan, the Indian women’s team will face England in a Test match at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, beginning on July 10.
The match will provide valuable preparation as India builds towards defending its Asian Games crown.
India Women’s Squad for 2026 Asian Games
Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
Vice-Captain: Smriti Mandhana
Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil* (subject to fitness clearance), Radha Yadav and Nandini Sharma.
India will enter the 2026 Asian Games as one of the favourites for the gold medal, with an experienced squad aiming to retain the title and add another major achievement to Indian women’s cricket.
