Mandhana takes Charge as India’s New Captain

Smriti Mandhana has been named captain of the Indian women’s team, hours after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down. The BCCI confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, marking a new chapter for a player who has been part of the national setup since 2013 and already led India in twenty‑two white‑ball matches. Mandhana’s leadership résumé includes Women’s Premier League titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024 and 2026, reinforcing her growing influence.

She holds an 11–6 record in T20Is, with one no‑result, and has won all four ODIs she has captained. Mandhana praised Harmanpreet’s commitment and said leading India is an honour she values deeply. Shafali Verma will serve as vice‑captain for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, while Deepti Sharma will be deputy in the ODIs. India retained a strong core for the six‑match tour, with T20Is scheduled in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28.