'It was very difficult': Harmanpreet Kaur reacts to key absence in India’s T20 World Cup squad

NEW DELHI: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that Amanjot Kaur’s injury has created a big problem for the team ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, but she remains hopeful the replacements can deliver when needed.

Seam-bowling all-rounder Amanjot has been ruled out for four to five months with a back injury, after also missing India’s recent T20I series in South Africa. Harmanpreet made it clear how important Amanjot was to the side.

“Amanjot was our key player. Unfortunately, she is not available. She is away from cricket for the next four to five months now,” Harmanpreet said.

“In place of her, it was very difficult to find someone like her who can fulfil that place.”

India have now turned to Bharti Fulmali and Radha Yadav to strengthen the squad. Bharti retained her place after limited chances in South Africa, while experienced spinner Radha returns to the T20I setup after strong domestic performances.

India banking on new options

Radha’s comeback also comes after injuries to Amanjot and Kashvee Gautam, who will undergo knee surgery. Harmanpreet said the team management is trying to build the best possible balance with the players available.

“But still, we are trying – Bharti, whatever opportunity she got, she tried to prove herself. We have got Radha back in the side because she is also an all-rounder who can contribute with bat, ball, and field,” the skipper added.

“So, Amanjot's replacement was very hard to find. But now, like whatever players were available, we are trying to balance the team with them so that whenever we need somebody, they are ready for us.”

The skipper also defended the bowling attack after the recent South Africa series loss, saying one bad series should not define the team.

“This was the only series where our bowling didn't click much... in one series, I can't judge my players,” she explained.

Harmanpreet added that the upcoming camp and England series will help India regain momentum before the World Cup. She also praised Bharti Fulmali and uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma for grabbing their opportunities through strong domestic and WPL performances.

India Women’s squad for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and T20I series vs England

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav.