India Womens U19 Squad Announced for Sri Lanka Series 2026

India Womens U19 Squad Announced for Sri Lanka Series 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the India Womens U19 Squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka Womens U19 Tour of India 2026. The six-match bilateral series will feature three T20 matches in Chennai followed by three One Day games in Puducherry, providing another valuable platform for India's next generation of women's cricketers.

The Women's Selection Committee has entrusted wicketkeeper-batter Bhavika Ahire with the responsibility of leading both the T20 and One Day squads. The talented youngster will captain a promising group of players eager to make their mark on the international youth stage.

Bhavika Ahire to Lead India's Young Stars

One of the biggest highlights of the squad announcement is the appointment of Bhavika Ahire as captain. The wicketkeeper-batter has consistently impressed in age-group cricket and now gets an opportunity to lead India in a competitive international series.

Mahak Narwase has been named vice-captain for both formats, adding further leadership depth to the squad. The selection committee has largely retained a core group of players while making a few format-specific changes between the T20 and One Day teams.

Young talents such as Ira Jadhav, Ishwari Awasare, Purva Siwach, Kumari Palak, Kashvi Kandikuppa, Gouri Goyal, Janvi Vikar, and Anaadi Tagde have earned places in both squads, highlighting the selectors' confidence in their abilities.

Opportunity to Build Future Stars

The Sri Lanka Womens U19 Tour of India is expected to play a crucial role in identifying future stars for Indian women's cricket. With the ICC Under-19 pathway becoming increasingly important, performances in bilateral series like these provide valuable exposure and experience.

Several players selected have already showcased their talent in domestic tournaments and age-group competitions. The series will now allow them to test their skills against international opposition while adapting to different match situations.

India's youth structure has produced several players who have gone on to represent the senior national team, and the upcoming series offers another chance for emerging cricketers to push their case for higher honors.

Series Schedule and Venues

The tour will begin with a three-match T20 series in Chennai. The matches are scheduled for June 22, June 24, and June 27, with all games starting at 1:00 PM local time.

Following the T20 leg, both teams will travel to Puducherry for a three-match One Day series. The matches will be played on June 30, July 3, and July 6.

The series provides an ideal blend of formats, allowing players to develop both white-ball skills and game awareness under competitive conditions.

Strong Squad Balance Across Formats

The India Womens U19 Squad features a healthy mix of batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, and bowlers. While continuity remains a key factor, the selectors have also introduced a few changes between the T20 and One Day squads to ensure format-specific balance.

Players like Deeya Yadav, V Pratiksha, and Vidhi Parmar have earned opportunities in the One Day setup, reflecting the team's focus on building depth across formats.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming Sri Lanka series represents more than just six matches. It serves as an important developmental step for India's future stars and a chance to gain valuable international experience.

With Bhavika Ahire leading a talented group of young cricketers, India will aim to continue its strong tradition in women's age-group cricket. Fans and selectors alike will be closely watching these emerging talents as they begin another important chapter in their cricketing journeys.

As the countdown to June 22 begins, excitement is building around a series that promises competitive cricket and a glimpse into the future of Indian women's cricket.