Smriti Mandhana Named India's New Captain
Indian women’s cricket has entered a new chapter. Smriti Mandhana named India’s new captain on October 6, 2026, after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role across formats. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Mandhana as the new captain, giving one of India’s most experienced players the responsibility of leading the national side.
Mandhana has been part of the Indian team since 2013 and has already handled captaincy duties on several occasions. Her experience with India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru made her a strong choice for the new role.
Smriti Mandhana Takes Over From Harmanpreet Kaur
The change came after Harmanpreet Kaur announced that she was stepping down as India’s captain across all formats. Kaur had been one of the most important leaders in Indian women’s cricket for nearly a decade.
During her captaincy, India reached several major milestones. The biggest achievement came in 2025, when India won its first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title. Kaur also led India to Asian Games gold medals in 2023 and 2026.
However, Kaur has not retired from international cricket. She remains available as a player and has been included in India’s squads for the upcoming Zimbabwe series.
Mandhana Has Previous Captaincy Experience
The decision to make Smriti Mandhana named India’s new captain was supported by her previous leadership experience. Before receiving the full-time role, she had captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs.
Her record was encouraging. India won 11 of the 18 T20Is she led, while the team won all four ODIs under her captaincy. She has also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
What Mandhana Said About Her New Role
Mandhana described the opportunity to lead India as a special honor. She also recognized Harmanpreet Kaur’s contribution to the team and expressed her desire to continue building on the work done by the previous captain.
The new captain will now have to balance her own batting responsibilities with the demands of leading a young and talented Indian side.
India’s New Leadership Group
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| India Captain | Smriti Mandhana |
| T20I Vice-Captain | Shafali Verma |
| ODI Vice-Captain | Deepti Sharma |
| Former Captain | Harmanpreet Kaur |
Shafali Verma will serve as Mandhana’s deputy in T20Is, while Deepti Sharma will take the vice-captaincy role for the ODIs.
Zimbabwe Series Will Be Mandhana’s First Test
Mandhana’s first full-time assignment will come against Zimbabwe at home. India will play three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18, and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28.
It will also be India’s first bilateral international series against Zimbabwe.
The appointment of Smriti Mandhana named India’s new captain represents more than a change in leadership. It gives a senior player the chance to shape the next phase of Indian women’s cricket while continuing the progress made under Harmanpreet Kaur.
For Mandhana, the challenge is now to turn her successful leadership experience into consistent results for India. With a strong squad around her and years of international cricket behind her, expectations will be high as she begins this new chapter.
FAQs
1. Who is the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team
A: Smriti Mandhana is the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.
2. Why did Harmanpreet Kaur step down?
A: Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain across formats on October 6, 2026. She will continue playing for India.
3. Who is India’s T20I vice-captain?
A: Shafali Verma has been named the T20I vice-captain.
4. Who is India’s ODI vice-captain?
A: Deepti Sharma will serve as the ODI vice-captain.
5. When will Smriti Mandhana begin her full-time captaincy?
A: Her first full-time assignment will be India’s home T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe, beginning October 16, 2026.
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