Kamal Ghorui
India have announced a 15-member squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa Women’s Cricket Team, starting April 17. The headline inclusion is young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has earned her maiden international call-up after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket and the WPL 2026.The five-match T20I series will get underway with two games at Durban on April 17 and 19. The action will then move to Johannesburg, which will host back-to-back matches on April 22 and 25, before the series concludes with the fifth and final T20I at Benoni on April 27.
Anushka Sharma’s Breakthrough Moment
Anushka Sharma is a rising Indian all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh known for her explosive batting and effective bowling, particularly in the domestic circuit. She was acquired by Gujarat Giants for Rs 45 lakh for the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she emerged as the most expensive uncapped player. Representing Gujarat Giants, Anushka impressed with a standout for Gujarat Giants in WPL 2026, made a strong debut with 177 runs in seven innings at a 129.19 strike rate. Also she shared a vital partnership of 103-run stand with Ashleigh Gardner to help secure a win against UP Warriorz. Also in U-23 trophy, she scored 322 runs in 8 innings with two centuries, boasting a strike rate of 128.28. She has represented regional and zonal teams including Madhya Pradesh Women, India C, and Central Zone.
Comebacks with Key Inclusions & Exclusions
After making her comeback during the Australia tour in February, Bharti Fulmali has retained her spot, providing depth to the middle order. Fast bowler Kashvee Gautam also included in the touring party, strengthening India’s seam department alongside Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy.Meanwhile, senior spin-bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana has been left out along with youngster Vaishnavi Sharma, who was part of the T20I series against Australia in February, and allrounder Amanjot Kaur.This series will serve as a preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on June 12 in England. The two teams which clashed in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will meet for the first time since India got the better of the Proteas to be crowned world champions in the 50-over format. South Africa and India have been drawn in the same group at the T20 World Cup alongside Australia, Pakistan and two teams from the qualifiers.India’s squad for South Africa Tour: 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
