New Delhi – On 6 October, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that left‑handed opening bat Smriti Mandhana will assume the full‑time captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket side, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mandhana’s Rise on the International Stage
Mandhana burst onto the world scene in 2013 and has since become one of the most prolific run‑scorers in women’s cricket, featuring across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. She has already captained India in 18 T20 Internationals and four One‑Day Internationals and served as vice‑captain for several campaigns. The BCCI cited this blend of experience and familiarity with the squad as a decisive factor in her elevation.
WPL Triumphs with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Beyond the national arena, Mandhana has shone in franchise cricket. As skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she guided the side to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and again in 2026, cementing her reputation as a tactically astute leader.
Kaur’s Legacy Continues
Harmanpreet Kaur will remain a fixture in the playing XI but will relinquish the captaincy. During her reign she led India to its inaugural Women’s ODI World Cup victory in 2025, secured Asian Games gold medals, and captained the side across all three formats.
The Road Ahead
Mandhana’s first assignment as full‑time skipper comes against Zimbabwe, with a three‑match T20I series followed by three ODIs slated to begin on 16 October. The BCCI expressed confidence that her extensive international exposure, prior captaincy experience, and proven WPL success will drive the team forward.
