Smriti Mandhana replaces Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain: 'Very special honour'

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana NEW DELHI: Smriti Mandhana has been named as the new captain of the Indian women’s side, taking over from Harmanpreet Kaur on a day of significant leadership change in Indian women’s cricket.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Mandhan’s appointment on Tuesday, hours after Harmanpreet stepped down as captain across all formats. Harmanpreet, who led India to a historic first Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025 and most recently led the side to Asian Games gold in Nagoya, will continue to represent India as a player.Mandhana, who has been a part of the Indian side since 2013, will take over as the full-time Indian captain. She has already led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs and now takes the responsibility of leading the side into a new phase.

Mandhana takes over from Harmanpreet

The change comes after Harmanpreet announced her decision to step down as captain on Tuesday, ending a leadership role that began with her taking charge of the T20I side in 2016 before becoming full-time ODI and Test captain in 2022.Her tenure included several landmark achievements, most notably India’s first triumph in the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025. Harmanpreet also led India to two gold medals at the Asian Games, including the last one in Nagoya, and became the most capped player in women’s international cricket this year.Mandhana acknowledged her predecessor’s contribution after being handed over the lead role.“To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a lot to me and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will cherish deeply,” said Mandhana.“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.”

RCB’s success adds leadership to Mandhan

Mandhana brings considerable experience to the role, both at the international level and in franchise cricket. The left-hander also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.The BCCI highlighted this leadership experience by endorsing her to take Indian women’s cricket forward.“Congratulations to Smriti on being appointed to lead the Indian women’s cricket team,” BCCI president Mithun Manhas said.“She has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently demonstrated the qualities needed to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility.”BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also pointed to Mandhana’s growth as one of India’s most experienced players and her success with RCB as proof of her leadership qualities.“Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on,” Saikia said.Mandhana said she understands the responsibility that comes with new roles and is ready to learn along the way.“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning and taking Indian Cricket forward,” she said.Her appointment marks the beginning of a new era of leadership for India, with Harmanpreet remaining part of the team as a player while Mandhana takes over the captaincy.

Indian women’s squads for T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe

India T20I Team: 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 Man Kalidy, Arundhat Jinnui
Indian ODI Squad: 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 Sree Charatare, Kranti Gaud, Thakurali