Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the new Indian women’s cricket team captain, the BCCI announced on Tuesday.
This announcement comes hours after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the captaincy role after helming the Women in Blue for more 14 years.
Speaking on her appointment, Smriti 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.
“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 added.
While she will be the full-time white-ball captain from now on, Smriti has led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. In these matches, she’s recorded 11 wins in the shortest format, while having a perfect record in the 50-over format.
The opener’s first assignment as the full-time captain will the be upcoming white-ball home series against Zimbabwe — three T20Is and as many ODIs — starting on October 16 in Raipur.
Smriti has also seen success as a captain in the Women’s Premier League, leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the WPL title twice (2024 and 2026).
Published on Oct 06, 2026
