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

In a significant leadership change, Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, taking over from Harmanpreet Kaur. This decision follows a review meeting with key BCCI officials and marks a new chapter for the team. Mandhana, a prominent figure in women's cricket since 2013, has demonstrated her leadership capabilities in domestic leagues, including leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to multiple titles. As she steps into this role, the team looks forward to building on its recent successes. Read on to learn more about Mandhana's journey and what this means for the future of Indian women's cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 6, 2026, 22:20 IST

Smriti Mandhana Appointed as New Captain

On Tuesday, Smriti Mandhana was named the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, following Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation from the position.

Harmanpreet made her announcement via social media after a review meeting held in Guwahati on Monday, which included discussions with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar, and Mandhana.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Mandhana's appointment on their official website, stating, "Smriti has been a pivotal player in Indian women's cricket and has significantly contributed to the team's development across various formats."

As a seasoned international player, Mandhana has showcased her leadership skills in both domestic and franchise cricket, notably guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.

Having been a part of the Indian squad since 2013, Smriti is set to bring her extensive experience to this new role, leading the team as it embarks on a fresh chapter while building on its recent achievements.