Shikha Pandey returns as India name squad for T20 World Cup 2023

Pacer Shikha Pandey has made a comeback to the side as India announced the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2023 on Wednesday (December 28). Devika Vaidya, who made her return to the side in the Australia series after a gap of four years, and left-arm pacer Anjali have retained their places. Allrounder Pooja Vastrakar has been included in the squad subjected to fitness.

Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the side with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. Pacer Meghna Singh and Sabbineni Meghana has been dropped from the side that played Australia, but they are among the reserves along with Sneh Rana.

India have also announced an 18-member squad for the tri-series that precedes the T20 World Cup. The series will also feature the hosts South Africa and West Indies and is scheduled to start on January 19. 

With Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh named in the side for the inaugural Under-19 T20 World Cup, allrounder Amanjot Kaur and wicket-keeper Sushma Verma have been added to the team for the tri-series. Meghna Singh, Meghana and Rana are also part of this squad.

Pandey last played for India during India’s tour of Australia in last October and has been on the sidelines ever since. Her consistent performance during the domestic season and India’s lack of options in the pace department has helped her earn that recall. She will partner Renuka Singh Thakur, Sarvani, and Vastrakar in the four-member pace attack.

India will start their T20 World Cup campaign with the match against Pakistan on February 11. They are in Group 2 alongside England, Ireland, Pakistan, and West Indies.

India squad for T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk) Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shikha Pandey

Reserves: Meghna Singh, Sabbineni Meghana, Sneh Rana

India squad for South Africa Tri-series: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Sushma Verma (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, Sabbineni Meghana, Sneh Rana, Shikha Pandey