New Delhi, October 8, 2026 (JK Patrika): Smriti Mandhana has been appointed the full-time captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across white-ball formats, taking over from Harmanpreet Kaur, who has stepped down from the captaincy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally announced Mandhana’s appointment on October 6.
Mandhana, who has been part of the Indian team since 2013, brings considerable leadership experience to the role. Before her full-time appointment, she had captained India in 18 T20 Internationals and four ODIs. She has also successfully led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to two Women’s Premier League titles, in 2024 and 2026.
The 29-year-old left-handed opener will begin her tenure with India’s upcoming three-match T20I and three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. The first T20I is scheduled to be played in Raipur on October 16, followed by the second and third T20Is on October 18 and 20. The three-match ODI series will subsequently be played in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28.
The BCCI has named Shafali Verma as the T20I vice-captain and Deepti Sharma as the ODI vice-captain. Harmanpreet Kaur remains part of both squads despite stepping down from the leadership role.
Mandhana acknowledged the significance of the responsibility, describing the opportunity to lead India as a special honour. She also recognised Harmanpreet Kaur’s contribution as captain and said she looked forward to working with the team and giving her best to take Indian cricket forward.
The leadership transition comes as India enters a new phase in women’s cricket, with Mandhana set to lead the side in its first bilateral international series against Zimbabwe. The series will provide her with her first assignment as India’s full-time white-ball captain.
