Smriti Mandhana era begins: Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma named India’s vice-captain

ByTech Word News

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: A new era of leadership in Indian women’s cricket took shape as Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were named vice-captains of the T20I and ODI sides, joining newly appointed captain Smriti Mandhana at the helm.The changes were announced on Tuesday after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India’s captain across formats. Harmanpreet, who will continue her international career as a player, has been retained in both squads for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe.Shafali will serve as Mandhana’s deputy in the T20Is, while Deepti has been handed the vice-captaincy in the ODIs. The move gives the two experienced players more leadership responsibilities as Team India enters a new phase following Harmanpreet’s decision.

Shafali, Deepti take on new roles

Shafali’s promotion comes after she returned to India’s T20I set-up, while Deepti remains one of the most experienced all-rounders and will now support Mandhan in the 50-over format.Mandhana was named full-time captain earlier on Tuesday after Harmanpreet decided to relinquish the role. The 30-year-old previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs and also celebrated success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leading them to the Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.“Being responsible for leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a lot to me and now to have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will cherish deeply,” Mandhana said in a BCCI release.She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution as captain.“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,” she said.

The Zimbabwean series marks a new chapter

India’s new management group will begin their next match against Zimbabwe at home. The three-match T20I series will be played in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28.The T20I squad sees Pratika Rawal left out, with Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Anushka Sharma and Jintimani Kalita coming into the side. All four featured in India’s recent matches against Australia.Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol have been included in the ODI squad, while Jemimah Rodrigues remains unavailable with a hamstring injury. Vaishnavi Sharma, who recently took six wickets against Australia Women’s A, has also been named.

India Squads for Zimbabwe Series

  • For T20Is: Smriti Mandhana (c), Shafali Verma (vc), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Min.
  • For ODIs: Smriti Mandhana (c), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (vc), Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandani Sharma, Sree Charani, Renughare, Renughare.