Smriti Mandhana Named New Indian Women’s Captain as BCCI Announces Zimbabwe Squads
Smriti Mandhana has been named the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role. The BCCI confirmed Mandhana’s appointment on Tuesday, October 6, bringing a new chapter to Indian women’s cricket.
Harmanpreet will continue to play for India and has been included in both the T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.
Mandhana is one of the most experienced players in the current Indian side and has been part of the national team since 2013. Her appointment as the new Indian women’s captain is not completely new territory for her either. She has already led India on several occasions and has also enjoyed success as a captain in the Women’s Premier League.
Smriti Mandhana’s Captaincy Experience
Mandhana has previously captained India in 22 white ball international matches. She has led the team in 18 T20Is, winning 11 games and losing six, while one match ended without a result. Her ODI captaincy record is even stronger, with Mandhana leading India in four ODIs and winning all four matches.
She has also built a strong reputation as a leader in the Women’s Premier League, captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru to WPL titles in 2024 and 2026. Across 35 WPL matches as captain of RCB, she has recorded 18 wins and 17 defeats.
Her experience with India and RCB means she takes over the national captaincy with a good understanding of the demands that come with leading a high-profile team.
Mandhana thanked Harmanpreet Kaur for her contribution to the team and the work she has done during her time as captain.
“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,” she said.
Mandhana also spoke about what it means to now lead India.
“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 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.”
Transition and New Faces
Harmanpreet may no longer be captain, but she remains an important member of the Indian side. She has been selected for both squads for the Zimbabwe series and her experience should continue to be valuable as Mandhana settles into the role.
Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma have been named as vice-captains for the T20I and ODI series, respectively.
India will play three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18, and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28.
The selectors have kept several regular players in both squads while also giving opportunities to a few players who have impressed at the domestic level and for India A.
Niki Prasad, a 20-year-old Karnataka batter, has received her first senior India call-up after producing some impressive performances. She has scored 153 runs from seven WPL innings and has been selected for the T20I squad.
Anushka Sharma, who has already represented India in three T20Is, has also been brought back into the T20I squad. She has scored 177 runs from seven WPL innings and has been selected for the T20I squad.
Tejal Hasabnis has been brought back into India’s ODI squad, while Renuka Thakur has been selected for the ODI series.
India’s T20I squad against Zimbabwe includes Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma (VC), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, and Minnu Mani.
India’s ODI squad against Zimbabwe includes Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (VC), Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, and Renuka Thakur.
The upcoming series will be Mandhana’s first opportunity to begin shaping the team under her leadership. It will also give India a chance to test some younger players while bringing back experienced internationals and emerging talent.
With a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging talent in both squads, the upcoming series could provide an early look at the direction India plans to take under Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy.
