Asian Games 2023: India Announces Women's Cricket Team, Harmanpreet will lead the Team

India recently announced its 20-member women's cricket team for the upcoming Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, the Republic of China in September-October. This will mark the first time India is sending both men and women's cricket teams to the Asian Games. The Indian women's cricket team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy.

Cricket has been played at the Asian Games twice before, at Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014. In both editions, Pakistan emerged as the champions in the women's events by beating Bangladesh in the final. However, the matches in the upcoming edition of the Asian Games have been accorded international status by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Format and Schedule of the Event
The women's cricket event at the Asian Games 2023 will be played in the T20 format, and it will take place from September 19-28. All the matches will be played at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field.

Indian Women's Cricket Team Squad
The Indian women's cricket team for the Asian Games 2023 includes 20 players, with five stand-by players. The team is led by Harmanpreet Kaur, who is a veteran of the game and has been a consistent performer for India in recent years. Smriti Mandhana, who has been in excellent form in recent times, has been named as the deputy captain.

The squad also includes young and promising players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, who have already made a name for themselves in the world of cricket. Other notable players in the squad are Amanjot Kaur, Devika Vaidya, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Anusha Bareddy.

TEAM - Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Devika Vaidya, Anjali Sarvani, Titas Sadhu, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Minnu Mani, Kanika Ahuja, Uma Chetry (wk), Anusha Bareddy https://t.co/kJs9TQKZfw

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) July 14, 2023

The Standby Players
Apart from the 20-member squad, India has also named five stand-by players. Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Saika Ishaque, and Pooja Vastrakar have been named as the standby players and will be ready to step in if any of the primary players are unable to play.

Notable Absences
One notable absence from the squad is Renuka Singh Thakur, who was the highest wicket-taker at the Commonwealth Games 2022 cricket tournament with 11 wickets in five matches. However, the selectors have opted not to include her in the Asian Games squad.

The Importance of the Asian Games for the Indian Women's Cricket Team
The Asian Games 2023 will provide an excellent opportunity for the Indian women's cricket team to showcase their skills on an international stage. The team will be eager to make a mark and bring glory to the country by winning the gold medal.

Asian Games 2023 Indian Women’s Cricket Team
Team India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Smriti Mandhana(vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(wk), Amanjot Kaur, Devika Vaidya, Anjali Sarvani, Titas Sadhu, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Minnu Mani, Kanika Ahuja, Uma Chetry(wk), Anusha Bareddy

Standby Players: Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Saika Ishaque, Pooja Vastrakar

Conclusion
India has named a strong and balanced squad for the Asian Games 2023, which includes a good mix of experienced and young players. The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur and will be looking to make a mark on the international stage. With the tournament accorded international status by the ICC, this will be an excellent opportunity for the Indian women's cricket team to shine and bring glory to the country.