Seven-time champions India begin their Women's Asia Cup 2026 campaign against Thailand today (August 30) in Dubai, with the Asian Games in Japan to follow. Star batter Jemimah Rodrigues misses the tournament due to a hamstring injury, but head coach Amol Muzumdar says the squad remains hungry after a stellar run that includes a Lord's Test win and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title.
Today's Match: India vs Thailand
India kick off their Asia Cup 2026 campaign against Thailand today, August 30, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It's the first of three group-stage games before India potentially advance to the knockout rounds — and the start of a busy stretch that also includes the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Why This Squad Is Full of Confidence
Head coach Amol Muzumdar didn't hold back when talking up his team's recent form ahead of the tournament opener. He pointed to India's dominant Test record — four wins in their last five matches — alongside their historic ICC Women's Cricket World Cup triumph as proof this group means business. According to Muzumdar, every player in the squad remains hungry for more silverware, with each tournament, however big or small, treated as a genuine title opportunity.
Group A: Who India Are Up Against
India have been placed in Group A alongside Thailand, Hong Kong China, and arch-rivals Pakistan. Each team plays the other three sides in the group once, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.
The September 5 clash against Pakistan is already being billed as one of the tournament's biggest draws, given the rivalry and the stakes involved in a group-decider.
Squad Watch: Jemimah Rodrigues Ruled Out
One notable absence from India's squad is star batter Jemimah Rodrigues, who's sitting out the Asia Cup and the Asian Games due to a hamstring concern. Coach Muzumdar confirmed she remains a "clutch player" for the side and will be missed, but stressed that her recovery takes priority. Her rehab is currently being managed at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pratika Rawal has been named as her replacement in the squad.
India's full squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G. Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal.
India's Asia Cup History
India have been the dominant force in this tournament for years, winning the first four editions in the ODI format before adding three more T20 titles in 2012, 2016, and 2022. That said, they'll be looking to bounce back after finishing runners-up in the 2024 edition, where they lost the final to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Dambulla — meaning there's a real motivation to reclaim the trophy this time around.
What's Next After the Asia Cup?
Once the Asia Cup wraps up on September 13, India's focus shifts straight to the Asian Games in Japan — making this a genuinely packed few weeks for Harmanpreet Kaur's side as they look to add more silverware to an already strong year.
FAQs
When does India's Asia Cup 2026 campaign start? India's first match is against Thailand on August 30, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Is Jemimah Rodrigues playing in the Asia Cup 2026? No, she has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury and is currently undergoing rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pratika Rawal has replaced her in the squad.
When do India play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2026? India face Pakistan on September 5, 2026, in what's expected to be one of the tournament's biggest matches.
When is the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final? The final is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
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