Smriti Mandhana appointed India's new captain

The BCCI announced Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team on Tuesday (October 6), just hours after Harmanpreet Kaur resigned earlier in the day.

Since 2013, Mandhana has been a member of the Indian team. He has led India in 22 white-ball matches. She has also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026, adding to her leadership credentials across formats.

She has coached India in 18 Twenty20 Internationals, winning 11 and losing six, with one match ending without a victory. She has a perfect record in ODIs, having won all four games she captained. In the WPL, she has led RCB in 35 matches, with 18 wins and 17 defeats.

While discussing her new position, Mandhana acknowledged Harmanpreet's contribution as captain. "I would also like to thank Harmanpreet for her service as captain over the years. She stated, "She has been an important part of our journey and has led the team with a great deal of commitment."

"To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply. I am aware of the responsibility that comes with this position and am eager to collaborate with the team, learn as I go, and do my best to advance Indian Cricket.

In contrast, Harmanpreet is still included in both India and Zimbabwe squads for the upcoming series. For the three-match T20I series, vice-captain Shafali Verma has been chosen, and Deepti Sharma will take Mandhana's place in the ODIs.

The Women's Selection Committee has kept a strong core for the series, which includes three Twenty20 Internationals on October 16, 18, and 20 in Raipur and three One-Day Internationals on October 23, 25, and 28 in Vadodara.

India's T20I squad: 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, Minnu Mani.

India's 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 Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Renuka Thakur.