New Delhi – On October 6, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that left‑handed opener Smriti Mandhana will assume the full‑time captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket side, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mandhana’s International Journey
Mandhana burst onto the international stage in 2013 and has since become one of the most prolific batters in women’s cricket, featuring in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. She previously led India in 18 T20 Internationals and four One‑Day Internationals, and served as vice‑captain for several seasons. The BCCI highlighted this blend of experience and familiarity with the squad as a key factor in her promotion.
WPL Triumphs with RCB
Beyond the national arena, Mandhana has excelled in franchise cricket. As captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she steered the team to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and again in 2026, reinforcing her reputation as a tactically astute leader.
Harmanpreet’s Legacy Continues
Harmanpreet Kaur will remain in the playing XI but will relinquish the captaincy. During her tenure she guided India to its maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025 and secured Asian Games gold medals, while captaining across all three formats.
What Lies Ahead
Mandhana’s inaugural assignment as full‑time skipper comes against Zimbabwe, with a three‑match T20I series followed by three ODIs slated to begin on October 16. The BCCI expressed confidence that her extensive international exposure, prior captaincy experience, and proven WPL success equip her to drive the team forward.
