Maiden call-up for Anushka Sharma as India name Squad for South Africa T20Is
India's T20I squad for South Africa, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, features a maiden call-up for young all-rounder Anushka Sharma. The five-match series, starting April 17, serves as crucial preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Key inclusions like Bharti Fulmali and Kashvee Gautam also bolster the team.
India have announced a 15-member squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa Women's Cricket Team, starting April 17. The headline inclusion is young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has earned her maiden international call-up after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket and the WPL 2026. The five-match T20I series will get underway with two games at Durban on April 17 and 19.
The action will then move to Johannesburg, which will host back-to-back matches on April 22 and 25, before the series concludes with the fifth and final T20I at Benoni on April 27. Anushka Sharma’s Breakthrough Moment Anushka Sharma is a rising Indian all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh known for her explosive batting and effective bowling, particularly in the domestic circuit. She was acquired by Gujarat Giants for Rs 45 lakh for the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL), where she emerged as the most expensive uncapped player.
Representing Gujarat Giants, Anushka impressed with a standout for Gujarat Giants in WPL 2026, made a strong debut with 177 runs in seven innings at a 129. 19 strike rate. Also she shared a vital partnership of 103-run stand with Ashleigh Gardner to help secure a win against UP Warriorz.
Also in U-23 trophy, she scored 322 runs in 8 innings with two centuries, boasting a strike rate of 128. 28. She has represented regional and zonal teams including Madhya Pradesh Women, India C, and Central Zone.