India’s road got tougher in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup after Shreyanka Patil limped off with an ankle issue. While chasing a ball in the game against Netherlands midweek, the 23-year-old twisted her foot badly. That moment changed everything, she won’t be back for the rest.

Out of left field, the BCCI announced that Patil’s spot will now go to Prema Rawat after clearance from the ICC’s technical panel for the Women’s T20 World Cup. With things shifting mid-tournament, the leg-spin option steps in under official sanction.

Nothing was assumed; it simply followed protocol behind the scenes. Now part of the group, Rawat comes into play without fanfare or delay.

Prema Rawat earns maiden World Cup call-up

Eight wickets across five games – that’s what Rawat delivered when India claimed victory in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars. Not long after, down under with India A, she matched her best by snatching seven scalps in just three outings. Consistency defines her touch, showing up match after match without fuss. Young, yes. But performances like these speak louder than age ever could.

Leading the group is Harmanpreet Kaur, named captain once again. Smriti Mandhana stands beside her, taking on vice-captain duties. Opening comes fast through Shafali Verma, while Jemimah Rodrigues holds the middle steady. Bharti Fulmali brings pace where needed. Deepti Sharma steps in with both bat and ball.

Behind the stumps are two keepers – Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia. Sree Charani weaves spin into tight overs. Young Nandni Sharma adds depth down the order. Arundhati Reddy delivers sharp lines from one end. Renuka Thakur swings it late. Kranti Gaud offers variation when plans shift.

Radha Yadav turns it just enough off the surface. Prema Rawat completes the list, ready if called. Each name fits a role shaped by balance.

Now that Rawat has moved up to the main team, adjustments have come for the India A groups too. With England A on the schedule, fresh names appear in both women’s reserve squads. Choices shifted after the latest elevation opened a spot. The selection panel reshaped the lineup right away. New faces step in as preparation begins for the upcoming matches.
A fresh name appears in the India A T20 lineup – Niki Prasad now joins the group.

Meanwhile, Minnu Mani steps into the One-Day unit, called up without delay.

The updated India A T20 squad features Anushka Sharma (captain), Vrinda Dinesh (vice-captain), G Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Uma Chetry, Vaishnavi Sharma, Purvaja Verlekar, Jintimani Kalita, Saima Thakor, Simran Bahadur, Shweta Sehrawat, Deeya Yadav, Minnu Mani, Shabnam Shakil, Tanuja Kanwer and Niki Prasad.

Meanwhile, the India A One-Day squad includes Harleen Deol (captain), Pratika Rawal (vice-captain), Priya Punia, Tanisha Singh, G Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper), Tejal Hasabnis, Niki Prasad, Tanuja Kanwer, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shabnam Shakil, Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita, Saima Thakor and Minnu Mani.