The Board of Control for Cricket in India has appointed Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the India women’s cricket team, hours after Harmanpreet Kaur relinquished the role on Tuesday.
Mandhana, 30, takes charge of the side after Kaur announced her decision to step down through a social media post on Tuesday morning. Kaur will continue to play for India as a batting all-rounder.
BCCI confirms Mandhana’s appointment
BCCI president Mithun Manhas backed the choice of Mandhana, who has been one of the side’s most senior players since her international debut in 2013.
“The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism that she has shown throughout her career,” Manhas said.
Mandhana has already led India in 22 white-ball matches in Kaur’s absence. She captained the side in 18 T20Is, winning 11 of them, and won all four ODIs she led. Her leadership credentials also include guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
“To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour,” Mandhana said in a BCCI statement. “Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply.”
She also acknowledged the contribution of her predecessor. “I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years. She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey,” Mandhana said.
Kaur steps down but keeps playing
Kaur, 37, leaves the captaincy after leading India to their first women’s global title at last year’s ODI World Cup and an Asian Games gold medal earlier this year. She led India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is.
“This is not an easy decision,” Kaur wrote. “It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
She made clear she was not retiring from the game. “Captaincy ends. The journey continues,” she added.
Her leadership had come under scrutiny after India’s second successive group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in June. A review meeting held by the BCCI on Monday also discussed her captaincy, according to reports in Indian media.
Smriti Mandhana’s First Assignment as India Captain
Mandhana’s first series as full-time captain will be against Zimbabwe. India play three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28.
Shafali Verma will serve as vice-captain for the T20I series, while Deepti Sharma will be Mandhana’s deputy in the ODIs. Niki Prasad has received her maiden T20I call-up for the series.
Mandhana has played 9 Tests, 120 ODIs and 179 T20Is for India since her debut in 2013. A left-handed opener, she was the backbone of India’s batting in recent years, including a 45-ball 79 in the Asian Games final.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new captain of the India women’s cricket team?
Smriti Mandhana was appointed captain on October 6, 2026, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur.
Why did Harmanpreet Kaur step down as captain?
Kaur stepped down after India’s second successive group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup and a BCCI review meeting. She said the decision carries years of memories and will continue playing.
When is Mandhana’s first series as captain?
India host Zimbabwe for three T20Is in Raipur (October 16, 18, 20) and three ODIs in Vadodara (October 23, 25, 28).
