The Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has missed the first T20I match against England Women at Chelmsford on Thursday. The BCCI confirmed the proceeding through their social media handle, informing that Kaur has been rested for the first T20I.

In her place, the vice captain, Smriti Mandhana, has been leading the side. During the toss, she assured that Kaur is completely fit. There have been no fitness issues or injury concerns. She is simply been rested and will be back in the next match. Smriti said,

“She’s (Harmanpreet) resting today, no concerns at all. She’ll be ready for the next match."

The BCCI Women X handle wrote:

"Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested for the first T20I against England Women in Chelmsford. Smriti Mandhana is leading the side in her absence."

Ind W vs ENG w first T20I update

India is playing a three-match T20I series against England as a means of preparation for the coming T20 World Cup. The series starts today, and England won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Like India, England is also missing their regular T20I captain Nat Sciver Brunt. In her place Charlotte Dean has been the stand-in-skipper for the match.

India opened their batting with Mandhana and Shafali Varma. However, both left soon. Lauren Bell bagged both the openers, as Mandhana returned for a duck, and Verma for two runs.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals pacer Nandini Sharma, the leading wicket-taker of the 2026 Women’s Premier League, marked a special milestone as she made her India debut in the opening T20I against England. Ahead of the match, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur handed her the India cap.