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Smriti Mandhana has become the new captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, marking a new chapter for Indian women’s cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced her appointment on October 6, 2026.
Mandhana will serve as India’s full-time white-ball captain, leading the team in both ODIs and T20Is.
The leadership change comes after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from captaincy. However, Harmanpreet will continue to represent India as a player.
Smriti Mandhana Named India Women’s Captain
Mandhana has already gained experience as India’s captain before taking the full-time role. She has led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs.
She has also been part of the Indian team since 2013, giving her more than a decade of international experience.
The BCCI highlighted Mandhana’s leadership experience and understanding of the game while announcing her appointment.
Her franchise leadership record also adds to her credentials. Mandhana recently led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
Why Did Smriti Mandhana Get the Captaincy?
Mandhana brings significant experience into the leadership role.
She has played an important part in Indian women’s cricket for years and has experience leading both India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana and said her experience and understanding of the game will help her take on the responsibility.
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also backed Mandhana’s leadership qualities and highlighted her experience with the Indian team and her success as RCB captain.
What Did Smriti Mandhana Say After Becoming Captain?
Mandhana called the opportunity to lead India a special honour.
She thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and supporters for their trust. She also acknowledged Harmanpreet Kaur’s contribution as captain and expressed her desire to take Indian cricket forward.
Mandhana now faces the challenge of leading India through a new phase while building on the progress made by the team in recent years.
Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Captain
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down from the captaincy after leading India across formats.
Her leadership included some of the biggest moments in Indian women’s cricket. Under her captaincy, India won the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, giving the country its first Women’s Cricket World Cup title.
India also won Asian Games gold during her leadership, including a second consecutive gold medal in 2026.
Harmanpreet will remain available as a player, which means India will retain her experience in the dressing room even after the change in leadership.
When Will Smriti Mandhana Start as Full-Time Captain?
Mandhana’s first full-time assignment comes in India’s upcoming home series against Zimbabwe.
The BCCI has named her captain for both the T20I and ODI squads.
India vs Zimbabwe T20I Series
The three-match T20I series will take place in Raipur:
- 1st T20I: October 16, 2026
- 2nd T20I: October 18, 2026
- 3rd T20I: October 20, 2026
All three matches will start at 7:00 PM IST.
India vs Zimbabwe ODI Series
The three-match ODI series will take place in Vadodara:
- 1st ODI: October 23, 2026
- 2nd ODI: October 25, 2026
- 3rd ODI: October 28, 2026
The ODIs will start at 2:00 PM IST.
Who Are India’s Vice-Captains?
For the Zimbabwe series, Shafali Verma will serve as the T20I vice-captain, while Deepti Sharma will serve as the ODI vice-captain.
Harmanpreet Kaur remains part of both squads as a player.
Smriti Mandhana Captaincy: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
| New Captain | Smriti Mandhana |
| Team | Indian Women’s Cricket Team |
| Captaincy | Full-time white-ball captain |
| Formats | ODI and T20I |
| India Team Since | 2013 |
| T20Is Previously Led | 18 |
| ODIs Previously Led | 4 |
| WPL Titles as Captain | 2024, 2026 |
| Previous India Captain | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| First Full-Time Assignment | Zimbabwe series |
What Does Smriti Mandhana’s Captaincy Mean for India?
Smriti Mandhana now takes charge at an important stage for Indian women’s cricket.
Her international experience, previous captaincy exposure and success in franchise cricket give her a strong foundation for the role. At the same time, leading India full-time will bring a new level of responsibility.
The immediate focus will be on the Zimbabwe series, where Mandhana will officially begin her full-time white-ball captaincy journey.
The next chapter of India women’s cricket now begins with Smriti Mandhana at the helm.
