Why did Harmanpreet Kaur miss first ENG-W vs IND-W T20I?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Harmanpreet Kaur missing the first ENG-W vs IND-W T20I came as a surprise for many.
England Women’s Cricket Team and the Indian Women’s Cricket Team are up against each other in the first T20I of the three-match series. The series opener between the teams is underway at the County Ground, Chelmsford on Thursday (May 28).
The three-match series will hold great importance for both teams ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, starting on June 12 in England. It will be an opportunity for both England and India to lock their final combination and enter the tournament on the back of high confidence.
India, who won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, would be hoping to win the second consecutive ICC title. But before that, they would want to get the most out of this series, which will give them a great idea of the conditions.
England, on the other hand, will enter the tournament as favourites. They will be missing some key players in this series and would be eager to see how the youngsters perform ahead of the mega event.
Why is Harmanpreet Kaur not playing first ENG-W vs IND-W T20I?
The ENG-W vs IND-W series is expected to be a blockbuster clash, and the first surprise came at the toss of the first T20I itself. Instead of Harmanpreet Kaur, it was Smriti Mandhana who walked out at the toss.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quick to inform that Kaur has been rested for the first T20I against England.
“Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested for the first T20I against England Women in Chelmsford. Smriti Mandhana is leading the side in her absence,” the BCCI statement stated.
Speaking at the toss, Mandhana also mentioned that there are no injury concerns for Kaur, and she is resting. She said:
“She’s resting today, no concerns at all (why is Harman not playing?). She’ll be ready for the next match. Australia was a good tour for us in terms of T20s. South Africa played good cricket. We understood a lot of things we need to work on, which is great to happen before a World Cup.”
ENG-W vs IND-W: Playing XI’s for first T20I
India Women: 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: 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
Why is Harmanpreet not playing first ENG-W vs IND-W T20I?
Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested for the first ENG-W vs IND-W T20I.
Who is leading India in first T20I against England?
Smriti Mandhana is leading India in first T20I against England.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.