India will begin their women’s cricket campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as defending champions, with several members of the gold-medal-winning 2023 squad returning for another shot at continental glory.
won the women’s cricket gold medal at the 2023 in Hangzhou, beating Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final. The tournament marked India’s first appearance in Asian Games cricket.
Three years later, the squad has undergone considerable change. However, five players from India’s 2023 squad are part of the final 2026 squad: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh.
remains the captain of India’s Asian Games side, just as she was in 2023. She led India to gold in Hangzhou, with the team beating Sri Lanka in the final.
The 37-year-old is again at the helm for the 2026 campaign and is one of the most experienced members of the squad. Harmanpreet’s presence also provides continuity between India’s two Asian Games title campaigns.
was Harmanpreet’s deputy in India’s 2023 Asian Games squad and retains the same role in 2026.
The left-handed opener was central to India’s batting effort in the 2023 final against Sri Lanka, scoring 46 before India finished with 116/7. Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues had put together a 73-run partnership during India’s innings. India eventually won the match by 19 runs.
Shafali Verma is another member of both squads. The explosive opener was part of India’s title-winning team in 2023 and has retained her place for the 2026 Games.
She also featured in the 2023 final against Sri Lanka, although she was dismissed for nine runs. Her ability to provide a fast start remains an important part of India’s batting options.
Deepti Sharma was part of India’s 2023 Asian Games squad and returns for the 2026 edition.
The all-rounder brings continuity to both the batting and bowling groups. She was among the players selected in India’s original 2023 squad and is again included in the 15-member team for the 2026 tournament.
Richa Ghosh completes the list of five returning players. The wicketkeeper-batter was India’s designated wicketkeeper in the 2023 squad and retains her place for the 2026 Games. She was selected as the wicketkeeper in the original Hangzhou squad and is again listed among India’s wicketkeepers in 2026, alongside G. Kamalini.
