Kashvee Gautam (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: India’s squad announcement for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup brought a few surprises, but one of the biggest talking points was the absence of all-rounders Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur. The BCCI clarified on Saturday that both players were unavailable for selection because of injuries, forcing the selectors to rethink India’s pace-bowling depth ahead of the marquee event in England and Wales beginning June 12.With two promising seam-bowling options ruled out, the selectors turned towards uncapped pacer Nandini Sharma, who earned her maiden World Cup call-up after an impressive run in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. Representing Delhi Capitals Women in WPL 2026, Nandini picked up 17 wickets in 10 matches and emerged as one of the standout Indian bowlers of the tournament. She was also part of India’s squad for the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars competition in Bangkok earlier this year, where she continued to impress with her pace and control.India have also welcomed back wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, who returns after recovering from the ACL injury she suffered during the ODI World Cup preparatory camp last year. Her inclusion gives the squad additional depth behind the stumps alongside Richa Ghosh.Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal missed out on the T20 World Cup squad despite being in contention for the England tour. However, the selectors have retained faith in the young batter by including her in the squad for the one-off Test against England at Lord’s from July 10 to 13.Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, India’s World Cup squad will first play a three-match T20I series against England starting May 28 as preparation for the global tournament.India Women’s squad for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and T20I series vs EnglandHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav.India Women’s squad for one-off Test against England at Lord’sHarmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana.