India have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup, set to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, later this month. The squad features no major surprises, maintaining a consistent lineup from the ongoing series against South Africa.
From the 17-member squad currently playing in South Africa, Amanjot Kaur and Shabnam Shakil have been left out. Shabnam Shakil, who was a late addition to the South Africa series to bolster the seam attack, and Amanjot Kaur, who last played for India in January against Australia, did not make the cut.
The rest of the team members from the South Africa series have been retained, showcasing a blend of experience and youth. Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the squad, with Smriti Mandhana serving as the vice-captain. Key players such as Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Uma Chetry will form the core of the team.
The bowling attack includes Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Dayalan Hemalatha, alongside spinners Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, and Sajana Sajeevan. Asha Sobhana also features in the squad.
The squad also includes travelling reserves Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwer, and Meghna Singh, ready to step in if needed. India, the defending champions, will kick off their campaign on July 19 against arch-rivals Pakistan. They will face the UAE on July 21 and Nepal on July 23. The top two teams from India’s group will advance to the semifinals, aiming to secure their place in the final and defend their title.
India’s team selection reflects a strategic blend of experienced stalwarts and promising young talent, all set to retain their championship in the Women’s Asia Cup.
Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan
Traveling reserves:Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwer, Meghna Singh
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