Jemimah Rodrigues backed young fast bowler Nandni Sharma to deliver for India in the Women's T20 World Cup later this year after she earned her maiden national call-up for the global event.

Nandni Sharma played for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026. Courtesy: PTI

India Today Sports Desk

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 3, 2026 22:51 IST

Written By: Sabyasachi Chowdhury

Jemimah Rodrigues has backed young fast bowler Nandni Sharma to deliver for India. On Sunday, the BCCI announced the squads for the T20 World Cup and the tour of England, with Nandni earning a spot in both the T20I and Test teams. The 24-year-old received her call-up after Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam were ruled out due to injuries.

Nandni previously played under Jemimah at the Delhi Capitals and made a strong impression. She claimed 17 wickets from 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.31 and also became the first Indian pacer to take a hat-trick in the tournament’s history, achieving the feat against the Gujarat Giants.

Jemimah added that the Indian squad’s wealth of experience will play a key role in helping Nandni settle in and thrive at the international level.

"Nandini has been a great player for us throughout the WPL. To be honest when we got her, we didn't know what to expect; we knew she had the talent," Jemimah said, as quoted by PTI.

"When she came on to the bigger stage of WPL in front of the world, the way she delivered, not just that five-wicket haul (5/33 vs Gujarat Giants), in every single game she was consistent,” Jemimah said.

"I know this team, it is going to welcome her, prepare her well and there is a lot of experience in this team and that is going to get the best out of her," Jemimah added.

Before the T20 World Cup, India will get an opportunity to assess Nandni during the three-match series in England, scheduled from May 28 to June 2. India are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Fatima Sana’s Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Nandni has joined Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur and Arundhati Reddy as part of the pace attack for the global event.

- Ends