Smriti Mandhana Named India Women’s New Captain, Succeeds Harmanpreet Kaur

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur and taking charge of a side entering a new leadership phase after one of the most successful periods in its history.

The BCCI announced Mandhana’s appointment on Tuesday, handing the 29-year-old full-time responsibility for India’s white-ball teams. A member of the national setup since 2013, Mandhana has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. She has also built significant leadership experience in domestic and franchise cricket, most notably guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.

“Being given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour,” Mandhana said. She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution, saying she had led the team with great commitment and remained an important part of its journey.

Mandhana takes over a team at a high point. India are the reigning Women’s ODI World Cup champions, having won their maiden title under Harmanpreet in 2025. The team also secured successive Asian Games gold medals in 2023 and 2026 and recently won a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. Mandhana herself has emerged as one of the leading batters in international cricket, recently surpassing Mithali Raj as the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket across formats and reaching 18 international centuries.

Harmanpreet leaves the captaincy with a formidable legacy. She led India in 211 matches across formats, including 150 T20Is as captain, and oversaw the World Cup triumph, two Asian Games gold medals, four T20 Asia Cup titles and India’s historic 270-run Test victory at Lord’s in 2026. Her iconic unbeaten 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final remains one of Indian women’s cricket’s defining performances.

The transition, however, is not a complete break. Harmanpreet will continue playing for India, remaining part of both squads for the upcoming Zimbabwe series. Mandhana will captain three T20Is in Raipur from October 16 to 20 and three ODIs in Vadodara from October 23 to 28. Shafali Verma will be T20I vice-captain and Deepti Sharma ODI vice-captain.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia backed Mandhana, highlighting her experience, temperament and RCB success. Her immediate task will be to blend established stars with emerging players while sustaining the winning culture built during Harmanpreet’s tenure.

For Indian women’s cricket, Harmanpreet’s era closes with historic achievements; Mandhana’s begins with the responsibility of building on them.