Smriti Mandhana replaces Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain: ‘Very special honour’

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana

NEW DELHI: Smriti Mandhana has been appointed the new captain of the Indian women’s side, taking over from Harmanpreet Kaur on a day of significant leadership change in Indian women’s cricket.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Mandhana’s appointment on Tuesday, hours after Harmanpreet stepped down as captain across all formats. Harmanpreet, who led India to their historic maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025 and most recently guided the side to Asian Games gold in Nagoya, will continue to represent India as a player.Mandhana, who has been part of the Indian side since 2013, will take charge as the full-time India captain. She has already led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs and now assumes the responsibility of guiding the side into a new phase.

Mandhana takes over after Harmanpreet

The change comes after Harmanpreet announced her decision to relinquish the captaincy earlier on Tuesday, bringing an end to a leadership stint that began with her taking charge of the T20I side in 2016 before becoming the full-time ODI and Test captain in 2022.Her tenure included several landmark achievements, most notably India’s first Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph in 2025. Harmanpreet also led India to two Asian Games gold medals, including the latest in Nagoya, and became the most-capped player in women’s international cricket this year.Mandhana acknowledged the contribution of her predecessor after being handed the leadership role.“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,” Mandhana said.“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.”

RCB success adds to Mandhana’s leadership credentials

Mandhana brings considerable experience into the role, both internationally and in franchise cricket. The left-hander has also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women’s Premier League titles, in 2024 and 2026.The BCCI highlighted that leadership experience while backing her to take Indian women’s cricket forward.“I congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Women’s Cricket Team,” BCCI president Mithun Manhas said.“She has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently shown the qualities required to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility.”BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia also pointed to Mandhana’s growth as one of India’s most experienced players and her success with RCB as evidence of her leadership qualities.“Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on,” Saikia said.Mandhana said she understood the responsibility that comes with the new role and was ready to learn along the way.“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward,” she said.Her appointment marks the beginning of a new leadership era for India, with Harmanpreet remaining part of the squad as a player while Mandhana takes over the captaincy.

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