Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: 'She was consistent' - Jemimah Rodrigues talks highly of new-comer Nandani Sharma

Published - 03 May 2026, 18:00 IST | Updated - 03 May 2026, 18:05 IST

The Delhi Capitals (DC) captain, Jemimah Rodrigues, is excited by the prospect of seeing Nandani Sharma represent India at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.

The 24-year-old is yet to make her debut for India on the international stage. However, her excellent performances in the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) have seen her get the nod in the squad in the absence of the injured Amanjot Kaur.

Rodrigues, who captained Nandani in the WPL, was impressed by her performances in the tournament despite her lack of experience in competing at the big stage. The Indian batter also suggested that the team would welcome her with open arms and help her settle into the new atmosphere before the major tournament begins on June 12 in England.

"Nandani has been a great player for us throughout the WPL. When we got her, we didn't know what to expect. We knew she had the talent, but when she came on the bigger stage - the WPL, in front of the world - the way she delivered, not just in the one game, not just after the five-wicket haul, but in every single game, she was consistent. I am really looking forward to having her here. At the same time, I know this team is going to welcome her, prepare her well. There is a lot of experience in this team and that experience will get the best out of her,” Rodrigues said at the International Institute of Sports and Management (IISM) event.

Nandani had an excellent debut campaign for DC at the 2026 WPL. She played 10 times for the Delhi-based franchise, taking 17 wickets along the way at an economy rate of 8.31. This included a maiden five-wicket haul against the Gujarat Giants in Mumbai. Nandani ended the tournament as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside New Zealand star Sophie Devine.

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