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Shafali Verma Returns as India Announce Squads for England Women’s Tour
In a significant boost to India’s women’s cricket team, explosive opener Shafali Verma has been recalled to the national side for the upcoming T20I series against England. The tour, scheduled from June 28 to July 22, features five T20Is followed by three ODIs. Verma’s return headlines a number of squad changes aimed at building a competitive lineup against one of the top teams in women’s cricket.
Shafali Verma’s Comeback: A Reward for WPL Excellence
Shafali Verma, who was dropped from national squads at the end of 2024, has made her return on the back of an impressive performance in the 2025 Women’s Premier League. Her aggressive batting and consistent scoring saw her finish as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Selectors have recognized her form and reinstated her into the T20I squad, signaling faith in her ability to dominate at the international level. Shafali’s presence will add firepower to the top order, complementing vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Sayali Satghare and Kranti Gaud Among Key Inclusions
Sayali Satghare, who debuted against Ireland earlier this year, finds herself in both the ODI and T20I squads — a sign of growing confidence in her all-round abilities. Another notable addition is Kranti Gaud, who replaces Kashvee Gautam from the squad that featured in the recently concluded tri-series in Sri Lanka.
Kranti’s inclusion indicates a focus on strengthening India’s bowling depth, particularly in the middle overs.
Major Shake-up in T20I Squad
While the ODI lineup has seen minimal adjustments, the T20I squad has undergone significant changes. Several experienced names have returned:
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Yastika Bhatia, back after a short hiatus, brings wicketkeeping and batting depth.
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Harleen Deol, a proven match-winner, adds middle-order solidity.
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Sneh Rana, who was adjudged Player of the Tournament in the Sri Lanka tri-series, is back in the T20 setup, offering both off-spin and batting capabilities.
On the other hand, Uma Chetry, who opened the batting in India’s last T20I assignment against West Indies, has been excluded. The selectors have opted to carry over most of the ODI core into the T20I squad, aiming for squad consistency and adaptability across formats.
Full Schedule and Tour Overview
India’s tour of England begins on June 28 with the first T20I at Trent Bridge. The five-match T20I series will be followed by three ODIs, wrapping up the tour on July 22. This will be India’s first full bilateral tour of England since 2022 and marks a crucial period of preparation ahead of the upcoming global tournaments.
ODI and T20I Squads in Full
ODI Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare
T20I Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare
Selection Strategy Focused on Balance and Flexibility
The BCCI Women’s Selection Committee has emphasized selecting players who offer dual roles, aiming to increase flexibility in the starting XI. The return of multi-skilled players like Sneh Rana and Harleen Deol provides much-needed options in both batting and bowling departments.
