New Delhi: Smriti Mandhana has been appointed the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, marking the beginning of a new leadership era after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the role across formats.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Mandhana’s appointment on October 6, shortly after Harmanpreet announced that she was relinquishing the captaincy.
Mandhana, who has been part of the Indian team since 2013, brings considerable international and franchise leadership experience to the role.
Why Was Smriti Mandhana Appointed India Captain?
The BCCI highlighted Mandhana’s experience and leadership credentials while announcing her appointment.
The senior opener has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. She has also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League, guiding the franchise to titles in 2024 and 2026.
Mandhana has also been Harmanpreet’s deputy and has been one of the most prominent players in India’s women’s cricket setup for more than a decade.
The BCCI said her experience across international, domestic and franchise cricket would be valuable as India enters a new phase.
What Did Smriti Mandhana Say After Becoming Captain?
Mandhana described the opportunity to lead India as a “very special honour” and said she understood the responsibility attached to the role.
She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution as captain, saying her predecessor had led the team with commitment and had been an important part of its journey.
Mandhana said she was looking forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving her best to take Indian cricket forward.
What Is Smriti Mandhana’s Captaincy Record?
Mandhana has already had opportunities to lead India before taking over the full-time captaincy.
She has captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. Her leadership experience has also extended to franchise cricket, where she has led RCB to two WPL championships.
That experience will now become particularly important as she takes charge of the national team across formats.
What Happens To Harmanpreet Kaur Now?
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as India captain but will continue playing for the national team.
Her decision brings an end to a significant leadership chapter. She had been India’s regular T20I captain since 2016 and later took charge of the ODI and Test sides.
Under Harmanpreet, India won its first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025 and also secured Asian Games gold. The BCCI described the World Cup triumph as the defining achievement of her captaincy.
What Is Next For Smriti Mandhana As India Captain?
Mandhana’s first assignments as captain will come with India’s upcoming series against Zimbabwe, beginning October 16.
India are scheduled to play three T20Is followed by three ODIs against Zimbabwe.
Her appointment therefore comes at the start of an important transition for the Indian women’s team, with Mandhana moving from deputy and occasional captain to the permanent leader of the side.
The change gives India a new captain while retaining Harmanpreet’s experience within the playing group.
