Harmanpreet Kaur Rested for First T20I Against England Women

Harmanpreet Kaur's Absence in T20I Series Opener

In a notable development, Harmanpreet Kaur will not participate in the opening T20I match between the Indian and England women's cricket teams on Thursday (May 28) at the County Ground in Chelmsford. Smriti Mandhana will captain the team in her absence. This match marks the final preparation for the Women in Blue ahead of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, which kicks off on June 12, where they aim to secure their first title following their remarkable success in the 2025 Women's World Cup.

During the toss, Mandhana announced that Harmanpreet has been given a rest for this match but is expected to return for the second game on Saturday (May 30) in Bristol. She assured that there are no injury issues concerning the Indian captain. A statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed, "Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested for the first T20I against England Women in Chelmsford. Smriti Mandhana is leading the side in her absence."

This decision aligns with India's strategy of resting players ahead of the significant tournament, allowing the entire squad to gain experience. In the previous series against South Africa, Mandhana also missed the last two matches. Additionally, it is important to note that Harmanpreet arrived late in England and missed the warm-up match against ECB's development XI, as she stayed back in India to receive the Padma Shri Award from President Murmu on May 25 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, while the rest of the team departed on May 23.

With Harmanpreet absent, Yastika Bhatia has been given an opportunity in the middle order, and pacer Nandini Sharma is set to make her debut. England won the toss and opted to bat.

India vs England Playing XIs

India Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana(c), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma, Shree Charani

England Women (Playing XI): Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones(w), Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean(c), Issy Wong, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Tilly Corteen-Coleman