Smriti Mandhana Takes Over as Captain of Indian Women's Cricket Team

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur. Smriti, a key player since 2013, has demonstrated her leadership in domestic leagues, notably leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to multiple Women's Premier League titles. In her first statement as captain, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the contributions of her predecessor. The BCCI leadership has shown strong support for her new role, emphasizing her experience and commitment to advancing Indian cricket. Read on to learn more about her journey and the expectations ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 6, 2026, 22:29 IST

New Leadership for Indian Women's Cricket

As Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team concludes on Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Smriti Mandhana as her successor, according to an official release.

Smriti has been a pivotal player in Indian women's cricket, significantly contributing to the team's achievements across various formats. With extensive international experience, she has also showcased her leadership skills in domestic leagues, notably guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women's Premier League titles in both 2024 and 2026. Since joining the Indian team in 2013, Smriti has accumulated valuable experience and is now set to lead the team into a new era, building on the progress made in recent years. While she will serve as the full-time captain for white-ball formats, Smriti has previously captained India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs.

Smriti Mandhana's Response to Her Appointment

Upon her appointment, Smriti Mandhana expressed, "Leading India is a very special honour. Representing my country has always been significant to me, and now having the chance to lead the team is something I will cherish. I am thankful to the BCCI, the selectors, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey for their trust. I also want to recognize Harmanpreet for her dedication and contributions as captain over the years. I am aware of the responsibilities that come with this role and am eager to collaborate with the team, learn, and strive to advance Indian cricket."

BCCI's Support for Mandhana

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