Smriti Mandhana Takes Over as India Women’s Full-Time White-Ball Captain After Harmanpreet Kaur’s Exit

New Delhi, Oct 6: Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana has taken over the captaincy of the Indian Women's team since Harmanpreet Kaur announced that she will step down from the captaincy across all formats.

Mandhana has been one of the most influential figures in Indian women's cricket over the past decade. Having represented India since 2013, she brings extensive international experience to the leadership role and has previously captained the side in 18 T20Is and four ODIs.

The 29-year-old has also built a strong leadership record in domestic and franchise cricket. She has led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to consecutive Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.

Mandhana will now take over as India's full-time white-ball captain, and her first assignment will be to lead her troops in Zimbabwe in the upcoming bilateral series.

Speaking after her appointment, Mandhana said: "To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. 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. I am grateful to the BCCI, the selectors, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey and for the trust they have placed in me.

Mandhana also acknowledged Harmanpreet Kaur's contribution as captain, praising her commitment and role in the team's journey over the years.

"I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way, and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward."
BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana on her appointment and backed her to lead the team into a new chapter.

"I congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Women's Cricket Team. She has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently shown the qualities required to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility.

"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. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter," Manhas said.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also praised Mandhana's experience and leadership qualities, pointing to her successful stint as RCB captain in the WPL.

"Congratulations to Smriti on this important responsibility. She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian women's cricket. She understands what it means to represent India, and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain.

Saikia said that leading India would be a significant responsibility, but expressed confidence in Mandhana's experience and temperament. He also pointed to her success as RCB captain in the Women's Premier League as evidence of her leadership qualities, while wishing her and the team success in the journey ahead.