📅 June 30, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk
The 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter replaces Yastika Bhatia in the only change from India’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad.
India have named a strong 15-member women’s cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with teenage wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini earning a major call-up. The 17-year-old comes in for Yastika Bhatia as India look to defend the gold medal they won at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Teenage Talent G Kamalini Gets Big Break
Kamalini’s selection is the biggest talking point from India’s Asian Games squad announcement. The young wicketkeeper-batter has been rewarded after a promising run through age-group cricket, India A exposure, and the Women’s Premier League.
She was part of the India A squad that toured England earlier this month and made an impact with a quick unbeaten 35 in a T20 win at Northampton. Her ability to play attacking cricket, combined with her wicketkeeping option, appears to have pushed her into India’s senior plans for the multi-sport event.
Why Kamalini’s Selection Matters
At just 17, Kamalini represents India’s next generation of fearless T20 talent. Her inclusion suggests that the selectors are looking beyond immediate results and trying to strengthen India’s long-term white-ball depth.
U19 World Cup Impact
Finished third on the run charts at the 2025 U19 Women’s World Cup.
WPL Exposure
Signed by Mumbai Indians for INR 1.6 crore at the 2025 auction.
India A Form
Scored a quickfire unbeaten 35 during the England tour.
Senior Debut
Made her India debut against Sri Lanka in Trivandrum in December last year.
Yastika Bhatia Misses Out After Tough World Cup
Kamalini replaces Yastika Bhatia, who endured a disappointing Women’s T20 World Cup campaign. Bhatia managed only 41 runs from three innings at an average of 13.67, and the selectors have now opted for a fresh wicketkeeping-batting option.
India’s early exit from the group stage has clearly triggered a small but significant change. While the core of the squad remains intact, Kamalini’s inclusion adds youth, flexibility, and future-focused intent to the team.
Shreyanka Patil Included Subject to Fitness
Offspinner Shreyanka Patil has been named in the squad, but her participation will depend on fitness clearance. She was ruled out midway through the Women’s T20 World Cup due to an ankle ligament injury.
Prema Rawat, who had come in as Shreyanka’s injury replacement during the World Cup, has not been included in the Asian Games squad.
When Will the 2026 Asian Games Start?
The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September 2026. The women’s cricket competition will be part of the multi-sport event, with India entering as the defending champions after winning gold at the previous edition in Hangzhou, China.
The exact cricket fixture schedule is expected to be announced closer to the tournament, but India’s squad announcement confirms that preparations for the Asian Games campaign have already begun.
India Enter as Defending Champions
India will travel to Japan as the defending champions in women’s cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side won the gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and will once again be expected to challenge strongly for the podium.
The squad retains major names such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Thakur, and Radha Yadav. With a mix of senior experience and young energy, India will aim to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment with a strong Asian Games campaign.
India Women’s Asian Games 2026 Squad
Full 15-Member Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil*, Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma.
*Shreyanka Patil’s inclusion is subject to fitness clearance.
Squad Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| Vice-Captain | Smriti Mandhana |
| New Inclusion | G Kamalini |
| Player Replaced | Yastika Bhatia |
| Fitness Concern | Shreyanka Patil |
| Tournament | 2026 Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan |
| Status | India enter as defending champions |
What This Means for India
India’s squad selection shows a balance between continuity and transition. The leadership group remains unchanged, the batting core is experienced, and the spin department still looks strong. However, the addition of Kamalini brings a fresh dimension to the side.
After a disappointing Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, the Asian Games offer India an immediate opportunity to reset. Defending gold will not be easy, but with a squad packed with proven performers and emerging talent, India will enter the competition among the favourites.
Final Word
G Kamalini’s selection is the headline story from India’s Asian Games squad announcement. Her rise from U19 cricket to the WPL, India A, and now the senior national setup highlights the growing depth in Indian women’s cricket.
For Harmanpreet Kaur and India, the mission is clear: recover from the World Cup setback, defend the Asian Games gold medal, and give another young star the platform to shine on the international stage.
