Smriti Mandhana has been appointed the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, the BCCI announced on Tuesday, October 6. Her elevation comes just hours after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role, bringing an end to her tenure as India’s captain.
Mandhana, one of the most experienced players in the Indian team, has been part of the national setup since 2013. She has already gained considerable leadership experience, having captained India in 22 white-ball matches as well as Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League.
Her record as a captain has also been encouraging. Mandhana has led India in 18 T20Is, winning 11 matches and losing six, with one ending without a result. In ODIs, she has maintained a perfect record, winning all four matches in which she has led the side.
At the franchise level, Mandhana has been equally successful. She has captained RCB in 35 WPL matches, registering 18 victories. Under her leadership, the Bengaluru franchise won the WPL title in 2024 and again in 2026.
Mandhana Praises Harmanpreet Kaur
Taking charge of the Indian team, Mandhana acknowledged the contribution Harmanpreet made during her time as captain.
She described the opportunity to lead India as a special honour and said she understands the responsibility attached to the position. Mandhana also stressed the importance of working with her teammates and continuing to take Indian cricket forward.
Her appointment represents another major milestone in a career that has already seen her become one of India’s most recognisable and consistent women’s cricketers.
Harmanpreet, meanwhile, will remain part of the Indian team. She has been selected for both the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Shafali and Deepti Named Deputies
India will face Zimbabwe in a six-match white-ball series beginning later this month. Shafali Verma has been appointed vice-captain for the three-match T20I series, while Deepti Sharma will serve as Mandhana’s deputy in the ODI format.
The T20I matches will be played in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20. The teams will then move to Vadodara for the three-match ODI series, scheduled for October 23, 25 and 28.
The selectors have retained a strong core of players while also giving opportunities to several youngsters.
Niki Prasad Gets Maiden T20I Call-Up
One of the biggest additions to the T20I squad is Karnataka batter Niki Prasad. The 20-year-old right-hander has received her maiden India call-up after making an impression at both domestic and franchise level.
Prasad, who generally operates in the middle order, has represented Delhi Capitals in seven WPL innings and scored 153 runs.
Her recent performances for India A have further strengthened her case. During the series against Australia A, she produced impressive scores across formats, including 91 in the three-day match, 76 in the third one-day game and an unbeaten 54 from 31 balls in the second T20.
She will now have an opportunity to make her senior international debut against Zimbabwe.
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Anushka Sharma Returns
Anushka Sharma has also returned to India’s T20I squad. The Gujarat Giants player has previously represented India in three T20Is against South Africa earlier this year.
She has scored 177 runs in seven WPL innings and was also in good form during the recent Australia A series, where she registered three consecutive half-centuries in the one-day matches.
Her inclusion gives India another batting option ahead of the new T20I leadership era under Mandhana.
Jemimah Rodrigues, however, continues to recover from the hamstring injury she sustained while playing in The Hundred. She has therefore been left out of the Zimbabwe series.
Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav and Bharti Fulmali, who were part of India’s gold medal-winning Asian Games campaign, have also missed out on the T20I squad.
Niki Prasad, Anushka Sharma, Prema Rawat, Jintimani Kalita and Minnu Mani are the new additions.
Tejal Hasabnis Returns for ODIs
Renuka Singh Thakur has been selected for the ODI series, while Tejal Hasabnis has also returned to the 50-over squad after an impressive showing against Australia A.
Hasabnis scored two half-centuries during that series. The 29-year-old middle-order batter has played six ODIs for India and last appeared in the format against Ireland in January 2025.
Yastika Bhatia, Nandni Sharma and Sayali Satghare have also been added to the ODI squad.
Meanwhile, Uma Chetry, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur, who were part of India’s ODI squad against Australia earlier this year, have been left out along with Jemimah Rodrigues.
The Zimbabwe series will therefore provide Mandhana with her first major assignment as India’s full-time captain. With a blend of experienced players, returning names and emerging talent, the series will also give the new leadership group an opportunity to establish its plans ahead of India’s next major international commitments.
India’s T20I Squad
Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma (vice-captain), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita and Minnu Mani.
India’s ODI Squad
Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (vice-captain), Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare and Renuka Thakur.