The BCCI announced the India Women’s squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, scheduled from April 17 to 27. Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the side, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain.
The biggest talking point? WPL 2026 breakout star Anushka Sharma earned her maiden India call-up, while all-rounder Kashvee Gautam also made the squad.
Who Is Anushka Sharma, the Cricketer?
No, not the Bollywood one. This Anushka Sharma is a 22-year-old batting all-rounder from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and she’s been turning heads all year.
Gujarat Giants signed her for ₹45 lakh at the WPL 2026 mega auction, making her the most expensive uncapped buy. On her WPL debut, she walked in at No. 3 and smashed 44 off 30 balls against UP Warriorz, helping GG post their highest-ever WPL total of 207/4.
Over the full WPL season, Anushka scored 177 runs in seven innings at an average of 25.28 and a strike rate of 129.19. Her coach at Gujarat Giants, Michael Klinger, had predicted her India call-up back in January, saying she’s “a fantastic cricketer” who “is going to play for India.”
That prediction just came true.
Why Does Kashvee Gautam’s Inclusion Matter?
Kashvee Gautam continues to cement her place in the national setup. The young all-rounder, who bowls right-arm medium pace, has been a regular feature in India squads since the Australia tour earlier this year.
During WPL 2026, she paired up with Renuka Singh Thakur to lead Gujarat Giants’ pace attack. Their combination gave GG a strong domestic fast-bowling core, something Indian women’s cricket has been building depth in.
Full India Women’s Squad for South Africa T20Is
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Uma Chetry (WK), Anushka Sharma.
The spin department features Shreyanka Patil, Sree Charani, and Deepti Sharma forming a solid trio. Meanwhile, the pace attack relies on Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Gaud.
India vs South Africa T20I Schedule 2026
Here’s the complete five-match schedule:
- April 17: 1st T20I in Durban
- April 19: 2nd T20I in Durban
- April 22: 3rd T20I in Johannesburg
- April 25: 4th T20I in Johannesburg
- April 27: 5th T20I in Benoni
The series follows a packed few months for Indian women’s cricket. India toured Australia earlier this year for a multi-format series. Now, this South Africa tour gives the team a chance to test fringe players like Anushka in overseas conditions, while also building depth ahead of future ICC events.
From playing with a thaapi in her Gwalior backyard to earning an India cap against South Africa, Anushka Sharma’s rise has been remarkably fast. And at 22, she’s just getting started.
