India A 15-member strong team has been announced for 2026 asian games In Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the teenage wicketkeeper-batsman Yes Kamalini Earned a deserved call-up after an impressive rise up the domestic and international ranks. Harmanpreet KaurThe leadership team has made just one change to the existing team ICC Women’s T20 World CupAlso handed over injury emergency return to off-spinner Shreyanka Patil As the defending champions prepare to chase their second consecutive Asian Games gold medal.
G Kamalini replaces Yastika Bhatia, India eyes consecutive gold medal win in Asian Games
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Despite India’s disappointing performance in the group stage of the Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this week, the team has largely kept the core of the squad intact.
The only change is the inclusion of 17-year-old Kamalini in place of wicketkeeper-batsman. Yastika Bhatia. Meanwhile, off-spinner Shreyanka has been included in the squad, although her participation will depend on fitness assessment after suffering an ankle ligament injury.
The joining of Kamalini is another important milestone in her rapidly growing career. The young wicketkeeper-batsman has steadily risen up the rankings through impressive performances at the junior, domestic and franchise levels before breaking into the senior setup.
Earlier this month, Kamalini represented India A on the England tour and caught the attention of the selectors after scoring an unbeaten 35 in the T20 win in Northampton. His fearless approach and ability to accelerate through the middle order strengthened his claim for a place in the national team.
She had already made headlines during the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Her performances also earned her a lucrative contract worth Rs 1.6 crore with Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League auction ahead of the 2025 season. The franchise retained him ahead of the 2026 mega auction, highlighting their long-term belief in his talent.
Over two WPL seasons, Kamalini appeared in 14 matches, scoring 107 runs at a strike rate of 104.90, while gaining valuable experience alongside several international stars. He made his senior India debut during the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram last December, his only international appearance so far.
Familiar faces highlight Indian team
Kamalini’s selection comes after a tough campaign for Yastika in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The left-handed batsman could score only 41 runs in three innings at an average of 13.67 as India failed to progress from the group stage. The selectors have opted to invest on Kamalini’s youthful promise while continuing to retain the experienced wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh As the primary gloveman in the squad.
The rest of the team players have the experienced leadership of captain Harmanpreet and vice-captain. Smriti Mandhanawith established artists like Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Thakur And Radha Yadav. emerging talents including Bharti Phulmali, Kranti Gaur, Shri Charani And Nandani Sharma has also retained its place.
Indian women’s team for Asian Games 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G. Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Bharti Phulmali, Sri Charanani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaur, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil (depending on fitness), Radha Yadav, Nandini Sharma.
Also read: India secure LA28 Olympic quota despite failing to reach semi-finals of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
