The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially appointed Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team on Tuesday, October 6. This leadership transition occurred just hours after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the role earlier the same day. Mandhana, a stalwart of the national side since 2013, brings significant experience to the position, having previously led the team in 22 white-ball matches, including 18 T20Is where she secured 11 wins against six losses. She also maintains an unblemished record in the four ODIs she has captained. Winning 11 and losing six, with one match ending without a result, she has led India in 18 T20Is.
Mandhana’s tactical acumen is further evidenced by her success in the Women’s Premier League, where she guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to titles in both 2024 and 2026, totaling 18 wins across 35 matches. Upon her appointment, she paid tribute to her predecessor, stating, “I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years. She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey.” Describing the role as a special honor, she expressed her eagerness to learn and guide the team forward. In the WPL, she has led RCB in 35 matches, with 18 wins and 17 defeats. To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. And to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply, representing India has always meant a great deal to me.
As the team prepares for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, the Women’s Selection Committee has appointed specific deputies to support the new leadership. Shafali Verma will serve as vice-captain for the three-match T20I series, while Deepti Sharma has been named the vice-captain for the ODI format. Harmanpreet Kaur remains a fixture in both squads as the team gears up for the T20Is in Raipur, scheduled for October 16, 18, and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28.
The T20I squad includes Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma (VC), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, and Minnu Mani. The ODI squad features Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (VC), Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, and Renuka Thakur.
