Why Jemimah Rodrigues is Not in India Squad For Women's Asia Cup 2026?

India's squad for Women's Asia Cup 2026 has been announced. It is a full strength squad with Harmanpreet Kaur as the captain and Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. There are no surprises the squad, however, the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues has made the fans curious.

Jemimah has played a key role in India's recent dominance in white-ball cricket. One of the best women cricketers with excellent qualities of playing spin, Jemimah could have been a useful asset in Dubai, where the whole tournament will be played.

Why Jemimah Rodrigues is Not in India Squad For Women's Asia Cup 2026?

The name of Jemimah Rodrigues is missing from India squad for women Asia Cup 2026 as she suffered an injury while playing in The Hundred. The right-hander suffered a high-grade right hamstring tear on August 3 while playing for her team Southern Brave.

Initially, she was ruled out of the entire season of The Hundred as speculations around her unavailability for the Women's Asia Cup increased. After the injury, she went to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, where the board's medical team examined her.

A few assessments later, it was decided that she will need more time to recover, which ruled her out of the ACC Women's Asia Cup 2026. Jemimah Rodrigues injury will make India's middle order vulnerable, however, the Women in Blue still has some world-class batters in it.

The likes of Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma will now have a big role to play, especially in the middle overs and the death. The pitch in Dubai, which has one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world, is likely to assist spinners and making runs in the middle overs won't be easy.

Who Has Replaced Jemimah Rodrigues in India Squad?

Top order batter Pratika Rawal has been named as Jemimah Rodrigues replacement for the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Rawal is yet to make her T20I debut, although she has done quite well in the ODI format.

However, Rawal is an opener and there are questions over her ability to play in the middle order, especially when her strike rate isn't that impressive in the ODIs. She will be looking to make a mark whenever she gets the chance in this prestigious tournament.