The Indian women’s cricket team is preparing to compete in the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4. The Women in Blue secured the gold medal in the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, where they triumphed over Sri Lanka by 19 runs in a low-scoring final, successfully defending a total of 116.
The selectors have assembled a robust India Women squad for the Asian Games 2026. The team will be captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana continuing as vice-captain. However, the team faces a setback as seasoned batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out due to a right hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred in England.
The Indian Women’s Asian Games 2026 squad includes a significant number of players from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This feature highlights five players from the squad who contributed to RCB’s success in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana led RCB to victory in WPL 2026. Over nine matches, the 30-year-old opener scored 377 runs at an impressive average of 53.85 and a strike rate of 153.25, achieving three half-centuries. She notably scored 96 off 61 balls against Delhi Capitals (DC) at DY Patil Stadium, featuring 13 fours and three sixes.
In the WPL 2026 final against DC in Vadodara, Mandhana scored 87 off 41 balls, including 12 fours and three sixes, helping RCB chase down a target of 204 in 19.4 overs. In total, she has participated in 35 WPL games, amassing 1,023 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 136.76, with seven half-centuries.
Richa Ghosh
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh is a vital member of the India Women’s Asian Games 2026 squad, known for her impactful batting. In nine matches for RCB in WPL 2026, she scored 189 runs at an average of 31.50 and a strike rate of 151.20. Ghosh scored 90 off 50 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Vadodara, which included 10 fours and six sixes, despite being on the losing side.
Ghosh has played in 35 WPL matches, scoring runs at an average of 33.91 and a strike rate of 151.02, with five half-centuries from 33 matches.
Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness)
Off-spinner Shreyanka Patil’s participation in the Asian Games 2026 is contingent on her fitness. She was carried off the field after injuring her right ankle during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match in Leeds on June 17.
Shreyanka played nine matches for RCB in WPL 2026, taking 11 wickets at an average of 25 and an economy rate of 9.01. The 24-year-old achieved figures of 5-23 from 3.5 overs against Gujarat Giants (GG) at DY Patil Stadium. Overall, she has played 24 matches, claiming 30 wickets at an average of 20.80 and an economy rate of 8.72.
Radha Yadav
Experienced leg-spinner Radha Yadav is another pick for India Women’s Asian Games 2026 squad. She played nine matches for RCB in WPL 2026, taking only two wickets at an average of 74 and an economy rate of 7.78.
Despite this, Radha made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 114 runs at a strike rate of 140.74. She scored 66 off 47 balls against GG at DY Patil Stadium and hit the winning runs in the final, adding 12* off five balls. Radha has played 29 WPL games, claiming 16 wickets with one four-fer and scoring 188 runs at a strike rate of 142.42.
Arundhati Reddy
Pacer Arundhati Reddy is also included in the India Women’s Asian Games 2026 squad. In seven matches for RCB in WPL 2026, the right-arm pacer took two wickets at an average of 96.50 and an economy rate of 8.77. Overall, the 29-year-old has played 27 WPL games, taking 16 wickets at an average of 39.31 and an economy rate of 8.40.
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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert
