Chandigarh’s Nandini Sharma has received her maiden India call-up after an impressive run in the Women’s Premier League, earning a spot in the 15-member squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for the upcoming England tour and the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is set to begin on June 12, with India opening their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham.
Breakthrough Performance in WPL
Nandini’s selection follows a standout season with the Delhi Capitals Women, where the medium pacer claimed 17 wickets in 10 matches. Her defining moment came earlier this year when she picked up a five-wicket haul, including the first hat trick of the season, against Gujarat Giants. The 24-year-old quickly emerged as one of the most promising uncapped players in the league, catching the attention of selectors.
Her call-up also comes amid injuries to key players such as Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur, opening the door for Nandini to step into the national setup. Selection committee chairperson Amita Sharma acknowledged the challenge of replacing experienced players but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth.
Emotional Moment and Personal Journey
Overwhelmed upon hearing the news, Nandini reportedly stopped her car mid-road, briefly causing a traffic disruption. Reflecting on her journey, she said she had waited long for this opportunity and credited her support system for helping her stay focused.
“I have lived for cricket, and seeing this dream come true is unbelievable,” she said, adding that she had no backup plan despite once aspiring to become an astronaut. Naturally reserved, Nandini Sharma has been guided by former Chandigarh cricketer Asmita Kataria throughout her development.
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Road Ahead for Team India
India, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as deputy, will first face England in a three-match T20I series before heading into the World Cup. The team is grouped with Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands, setting up a competitive league stage.
Having progressed through domestic ranks including U19, U23, and senior tournaments, Nandini now has the opportunity to translate her domestic success onto the global stage as India eyes another strong World Cup campaign.
