Three India women’s cricketers could be unused at Asian Games 2026

Three players from India’s women’s cricket squad risk not featuring at the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket competition, which begins on September 17.

India enter the tournament as the defending champions after winning the Hangzhou 2023 final against Sri Lanka, and Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the side again. Eight teams will contest the event, and India have named a squad that includes Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh. With a maximum of three matches for a team that reaches the final, selectors are unlikely to rotate heavily, a situation that could leave some squad members without game time.

Gunalan Kamalini has been included as a backup wicketkeeper after replacing Yastika Bhatia in the squad. At 18, she made her T20I debut in 2025 and has played one T20I. Richa Ghosh remains a regular in India’s T20 side and is described in the squad as a key member, which reduces the chances of Kamalini being selected for match play.

Nandni Sharma made her T20I debut in 2026 and featured in a few matches during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. For India she has taken 7 wickets in 6 T20Is at an economy rate of 9.03. India also have pace options in Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud and Arundhati Reddy, factors cited as limiting Nandni’s opportunities in the playing XI.

Radha Yadav has extensive T20I experience, having played 91 matches and taken 106 wickets at an economy rate of 6.65. She is also noted in the squad as a capable hitter and an excellent fielder. The presence of Deepti Sharma in the side and Shree Charani, ranked No. 1 in T20Is, are given as reasons Radha may not make the matchday XI.

India will open their Asian Games campaign against Japan in a quarter-final on September 18, representing the first opportunity for squad players to be fielded during the tournament.