Smriti Mandhana Named India's New White-Ball Captain

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Wednesday, 7 October 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Smriti Mandhana as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down on October 6, 2026. Smriti will serve as India’s full-time white-ball captain, leading the team in both ODIs and T20Is, as Indian women’s cricket enters a new leadership era.

Key Highlights:

• Smriti Mandhana takes charge as India’s new white-ball captain
• Harmanpreet Kaur steps down after leading India for more than a decade
• Smriti’s first assignment will be the Zimbabwe series from October 16, 2026

Harmanpreet, who led India for more than a decade, steps down after overseeing some of the team's most significant achievements. Her tenure included India’s historic 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph, when the side defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final in Navi Mumbai. She also guided India to multiple T20 Asia Cup titles and Asian Games gold medals.

Smriti brings considerable leadership experience to the role. The 30-year-old has already captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, largely when Harmanpreet was unavailable. Her leadership credentials also extend to franchise cricket, where she captains Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League. Under her leadership, RCB secured WPL titles in 2024 and 2026.

A key figure in Indian cricket since her international debut in 2013, Smriti has established herself as one of the game’s most prolific batters. She was the second-highest run-scorer at the 2025 ODI World Cup, collecting 434 runs in nine innings at an average of 54.25. Her consistency and experience will now be central to India’s next phase under her leadership.

Speaking after her appointment, Smriti described the opportunity to lead India as a “very special honour” and thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and supporters for their trust. She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution to Indian cricket and expressed her commitment to taking the team forward.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas backed Smriti’s appointment, highlighting her experience, understanding of the game and ability to lead from the front. BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also praised her temperament and leadership experience, particularly her success with RCB.

The transition comes after a mixed period for India. While the 2025 ODI World Cup victory represented a landmark achievement, the team’s early exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup highlighted the need for renewed focus in the shortest format. Smriti will therefore inherit a side with significant strengths but also important challenges.

Her first assignment as captain will be the home series against Zimbabwe, beginning on October 16. Shafali Verma has been named T20I vice-captain, while Deepti Sharma will serve as ODI vice-captain. Harmanpreet remains part of the squad as a player, allowing the new leadership group to draw on her extensive international experience.

Smriti’s elevation marks a significant generational shift for Indian women’s cricket. With the popularity of the women’s game continuing to grow, her leadership will be closely watched as India looks to build on its recent ODI success while strengthening its T20I campaign.