Smriti Mandhana Named India Women's Cricket Captain, Succeeding Harmanpreet Kaurਸਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਮੰਧਾਨਾ ਬਣੀ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੀ ਮਹਿਲਾ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਟੀਮ ਦੀ ਨਵੀਂ ਕਪਤਾਨ, ਹਰਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਦੀ ਥਾਂ ਲਵੇਗੀ

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday named Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the India women's cricket team across all formats, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from the role earlier in the day.

Mandhana, 30, called the appointment "a very special honour", saying representing India had always meant a great deal to her and that she would value the opportunity to lead the team deeply. She thanked the BCCI, the selectors and her teammates for their trust, and acknowledged Harmanpreet's contribution as captain over the years.

A new era for the Women in Blue

One of the biggest names in Indian women's cricket since her international debut in 2013, Mandhana has long been Harmanpreet's deputy. She has already captained India on several occasions — in 18 T20Is and four ODIs — and built a strong leadership reputation in franchise cricket, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women's Premier League two WPL titles.

The selectors' choice was the least surprising call in Indian cricket: Mandhana has been the designated successor for years, and her elevation completes a transition that began when Harmanpreet announced earlier on Tuesday that she was ready to "play for the love of the game again".

Harmanpreet's Punjab-sized legacy

Harmanpreet Kaur, who hails from Moga in Punjab, drew the curtains on a decade-long captaincy after taking over the T20I leadership from Mithali Raj and becoming all-format skipper in 2022. She became the first Indian captain to win the Women's ODI World Cup, lifting the trophy at home in 2025 after beating South Africa in the final, and led India to the Asia Cup title last month as well as back-to-back Asian Games gold medals in 2023 and 2026.

The 37-year-old will continue as a player, and Mandhana said she would lean on her predecessor's experience as the team enters its next phase.

First assignment: Zimbabwe at home

The BCCI also announced India's T20I and ODI squads for the home series against Zimbabwe, which will be Mandhana's first as full-time captain. Shafali Verma will serve as her deputy in the T20Is, while Deepti Sharma has been named vice-captain for the ODIs.

Why did Harmanpreet Kaur step down as captain?

After a decade leading the side, Harmanpreet said she had done her duty as leader and now wants to play for the love of the game again; she continues as a player in the squad.

What is Smriti Mandhana's captaincy record?

Mandhana has previously captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs in Harmanpreet's absence and led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to WPL two WPL titles.

When does Mandhana's captaincy begin?

Her first series as full-time captain is the home T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe, with Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma as her deputies in the two formats.