Anushka Sharma to lead in T20s, Harleen Deol named ODI captain for India A England tour
India’s women’s cricket pathway continues to spotlight emerging talent as the selectors announced the India A England Tour, with young batter Anushka Sharma appointed captain for the T20 leg and experienced batter Harleen Deol set to lead the ODI side.
The India A tour of England later this year will feature three T20 matches beginning on June 20, followed by a three-match ODI series starting July 1. The tour is expected to play a crucial role in identifying the next group of players pushing for regular opportunities in the senior national setup. For Anushka Sharma, the captaincy appointment marks another significant milestone in a rapidly rising career.
The young batter recently made her international debut during India’s tour of South Africa and has quickly emerged as one of the most closely watched prospects in Indian women’s cricket. Her elevation to India A captain for the T20 format reflects the management’s growing confidence not only in her batting ability but also in her leadership potential.
Joining her in the leadership group is Vrinda Dinesh, who has been named vice-captain for the T20 squad. Vrinda has steadily built a strong reputation in domestic cricket over the past few seasons with her aggressive top-order batting and consistency in pressure situations. Meanwhile, Harleen Deol’s appointment as ODI captain offers the experienced batter an important opportunity after recently missing out on India’s squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Harleen remains one of the most versatile players in Indian women’s cricket and her leadership role in the 50-over format suggests that the selectors still view her as an important figure within the broader national setup. Alongside her, Pratika Rawal has been named vice-captain for the ODI side following a series of impressive performances at domestic level.
One of the most notable aspects of both squads is the continued inclusion of several young players who have already begun receiving exposure with the senior national team. G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma have both retained places in the T20 and ODI squads after recent involvement with the senior side. Their selection indicates the management’s intention to continue developing a strong transition pathway between India A and the national team.
Kamalini, in particular, has impressed with her wicketkeeping skills and composure under pressure, while Vaishnavi continues to be regarded as one of the more promising young all-round options coming through the system. The tour will also provide opportunities to several fresh faces.
All-rounder Jintimani Kalita has earned her maiden call-up to both squads after strong domestic performances. The selectors have also handed first-time opportunities to Purvaja Verlekar in the T20 format and Tanisha Singh in the ODI setup.
Both players have been rewarded for consistent performances in domestic competitions and now have a chance to test themselves in overseas conditions against a competitive England A side.
The T20 squad features a strong blend of youth and domestic experience. Alongside Anushka, the batting unit includes Uma Chetry, Shweta Sehrawat and Vrinda Dinesh, while the bowling attack will feature names like Simran Bahadur, Shabnam Shakil and Tanuja Kanwer.
All-rounders Minnu Mani and Saima Thakor also add balance and flexibility to the squad.
The ODI side, meanwhile, appears slightly more experienced with Harleen Deol, Priya Punia and Tejal Hasabnis strengthening the batting group. Players like Sayali Satghare, Tanuja Kanwer and Shabnam Shakil are expected to play key roles with the ball in English conditions, where seam movement often becomes decisive.
The England tour is particularly important because it offers players exposure to conditions significantly different from the subcontinent.
Performing in England traditionally demands greater technical discipline from batters and stronger adaptability from bowlers. For several players in these squads, this tour could become an important indicator of their readiness for long-term international cricket.
The timing of the series also comes as Indian women’s cricket continues expanding its talent pool rapidly following the growth of domestic structures and increased opportunities through franchise leagues and India A tours.
Over the last few years, India A tours have increasingly become a critical bridge between domestic cricket and senior international competition. Players like Shreyanka Patil, Amanjot Kaur and others previously used similar opportunities to establish themselves before breaking into the national team.
Now, another group of young cricketers gets its chance.
For Anushka Sharma, the England tour represents more than just another assignment. Leading India A so early in her career signals that the management sees her as a potential long-term leader within Indian women’s cricket.
For Harleen Deol, it offers an opportunity to reaffirm her place in India’s future plans.
And for the rest of the squad, the England tour could become the first major step toward a sustained international career.
Comments (0)
to post comments, replies, and votes.
Loading comments…
