The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a revamped 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with young talents G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma receiving their maiden call-ups. The series marks India’s first international outing since clinching their historic maiden Women’s World title last month, adding further excitement to the home campaign beginning December 21.

G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma take their first big step

In a clear sign of India’s growing trust in its youth pipeline, wicketkeeper-batter Kamalini and teenager Vaishnavi have broken into the senior setup after standout displays at the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Both were pivotal to India’s campaign in Malaysia and were subsequently named in the tournament’s best XI—an achievement that kept them firmly on selectors’ radar.

Kamalini, who made her WPL debut for Mumbai Indians earlier this year, has been chosen as the secondary wicketkeeper. Her rapid progression comes at a crucial time, with regular keeper Yastika Bhatia currently in rehab following an ACL injury sustained ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup. Kamalini’s sharp glovework and improving batting consistency have made her a strong contender for long-term grooming.

Vaishnavi, at just 19, has been one of the most promising spin prospects in the domestic circuit. The left-arm spinner dominated the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 21 dismissals in 11 games at a remarkable economy rate of 4.5. Her accuracy, flight variation, and temperament under pressure played a major role in Madhya Pradesh’s run to the final.

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Shafali Verma retains her spot; several players miss out

Shafali Verma continues to be backed by the selectors after a prolific run in domestic cricket, which also earned her a last-minute place in the ODI squad ahead of the World Cup semifinal. Her power-hitting remains a crucial asset in India’s top order as they prepare for a busy T20 calendar leading into next year.

However, India have made notable exclusions compared to their previous T20I series in England. Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, and Shuchi Upadhyay have been omitted to make way for the returning Renuka Singh Thakur and the new entrants. Seamers Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, and Sree Charani retain their spots after steady performances.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will continue to lead a balanced unit comprising experience and youth across departments.

The much-anticipated series gets underway on December 21 in Visakhapatnam, which will also host the second T20I. The teams will then shift to Thiruvananthapuram for the remaining three matches, promising packed stadiums and high-stakes cricket as India resume action post their world title triumph.

India’s squad for the T20I series vs Sri Lanka

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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