Published: October 6, 2026 at 9:35 pm
On a day when Harmanpreet Kaur relinquished the captaincy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the appointment of Smriti Mandhana as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.
Fearless skipper: Harmanpreet relinquishes captaincy of Indian team across all formats
“Smriti has been one of the leading figures in Indian women’s cricket over the years and has played a key role in the team’s progress across formats. An experienced international cricketer, she has also demonstrated her leadership qualities in domestic and franchise cricket, most recently leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026,” says the BCCI release issued on Tuesday night.
Smriti Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026
“Having been part of the Indian team since 2013, Smriti brings considerable experience into the role. She will now take on the responsibility of leading the side, with the team entering a new phase and continuing to build on the progress made in recent years.
BCCI acknowledges Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and contribution to Indian cricket
“While she will be the full-time white-ball captain from now on, Smriti has led India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs,” it added.
Speaking on her appointment, Smriti Mandhana said: “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 grateful to the BCCI, the selectors, my teammates and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey and for the trust they have placed in me.
Smriti lauds Harmanpreet
“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.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward,” she added.
“I congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. She has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently shown the qualities required to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility,” said BCCI president Mithun Manhas.
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, says Smriti Mandhana. Pics: BCCI
“The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism that she has shown throughout her career. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter,” he added.
“Congratulations to Smriti on this important responsibility. She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. She understands what it means to represent India and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain,” said Devajit Saikia, BCCI honorary secretary.
https://x.com/BCCI/status/2107493922012627165?s=20
“Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on. Her success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League is another example of her leadership qualities. I wish her and the team every success in the journey ahead and look forward to seeing Indian Cricket continue to progress under her leadership,” he added.
India squads for Zimbabwe games announced
Meanwhile, the women’s selection committee picked India’s squad for the Muthoot FinCorpT20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. The T20I series will be hosted in Raipur while the ODI series will take place in Vadodara.
India’s T20I squad: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma (vice-captain), 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 (captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (vice-captain), Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Renuka Thakur.
