Smriti Mandhana Named India's Women's Captain Across All Formats

Smriti Mandhana has been handed the captaincy of India's women's cricket team across all formats, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Tuesday, hours after longtime leader Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the role. The appointment ends the succession speculation that followed Harmanpreet's decision and installs Mandhana, her former deputy, as the face of a new era. The 30-year-old opener has been part of the national setup since 2013 and is no stranger to leadership — she has previously skippered India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, and she led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. Mandhana described leading the country as a very special honour, thanking the board, selectors, teammates and supporters for their trust. She also paid tribute to her predecessor, acknowledging Harmanpreet's commitment and contribution as captain over the years and saying she understood the responsibility the role carried. Her first full-time assignment comes immediately with India's home series against Zimbabwe. Shafali Verma has been named vice-captain for the three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, while Deepti Sharma will deputise in the ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28. Harmanpreet stays in both squads and will play under her former deputy. The transition arrives ahead of a demanding calendar, with the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2027 followed by the 2028 T20 World Cup and cricket's return to the Olympics in Los Angeles.