The BCCI on Saturday announced India’s squad for the one-off women’s Test against England at Lord’s, with Sneh Rana retaining her place in the red-ball setup and Harleen Deol returning to the side, while injured all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam were unavailable for selection. The squad was named alongside India’s selections for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the T20I series in England, with selectors making a few changes as the team prepares for a busy multi-format tour.
Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. India have largely trusted their experienced core, with Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma expected to carry major responsibility in the batting group.
Among the notable decisions is the retention of Rana, who keeps her place in the Test side despite missing out on the T20 World Cup squad. Rana featured in India’s previous Test against Australia in Perth and remains a key option in the longer format because of her ability to influence matches with both bat and ball. Her off-spin could be particularly useful in English conditions, while her lower-order runs add balance to the XI.
Deol’s return gives India another dependable batting option in the middle order. Her calm approach and athleticism in the field make her a valuable squad member, especially in a format where patience and adaptability are often decisive. Pratika Rawal, who was not selected in the T20 World Cup squad, has been retained in the Test setup after also featuring in the previous red-ball outing against Australia in Perth.
India have also continued with left-arm spinner Sree Charani, who remains part of the plans across formats after earning places in both squads. Her steady rise has been one of the positives in recent months. The pace attack includes Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Nandini Sharma and Sayali Satghare, giving India a blend of experience and youth. Nandini is one of the biggest talking points after receiving her maiden India call-up, with selectors rewarding the uncapped quick for her recent progress in domestic cricket and the WPL.
Behind the stumps, India have selected both Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia. Yastika’s return after injury strengthens the squad further, with her left-handed batting offering useful variety.
Amanjot and Kashvee’s absence is among the biggest setbacks for India. Both players miss out because of injury, depriving the side of two seam-bowling all-round options. However, captain Harmanpreet made it clear Amanjot remains firmly in India’s long-term plans, backing the youngster and highlighting the qualities she brings to the side.
India’s tour of England has been split into two phases because of the Women’s T20 World Cup schedule. The teams will first contest a three-match T20I series from May 28 to June 2 before shifting focus to the global tournament beginning on June 12. The Lord’s Test is scheduled to start on July 10, only days after the World Cup final, meaning players involved deep into the event will face a swift turnaround before switching to red-ball cricket.
For India, the squad reflects continuity with a few important returns, even as injuries have forced some difficult omissions. With experienced names retained and fresh talent such as Nandini brought in, the visitors will hope to challenge strongly at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
India’s Squad for One-Off Test at Lord’s against England:
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandini Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.