The BCCI confirmed on Tuesday, October 6, that Smriti Mandhana has been named the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. This leadership change follows the resignation of Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from the role earlier that same day.
Mandhana, a veteran of the national side since 2013, brings significant experience to the position, having previously captained India in 22 white-ball matches. Her leadership credentials include an undefeated record across four ODIs as captain and an 11-6 record in 18 T20Is. Additionally, she steered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in both 2024 and 2026, amassing 18 wins in 35 WPL matches. Winning 11 and losing six, with one match ending without a result, she has led India in 18 T20Is. In the WPL, she has led RCB in 35 matches, with 18 wins and 17 defeats.
Regarding her predecessor, Mandhana stated, “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.” Reflecting on her appointment, Mandhana added, “To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. 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.” And to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply, representing India has always meant a great deal to me.
For the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, the squad features several strategic changes. Shafali Verma has been appointed as the T20I vice-captain, while Deepti Sharma will serve as the vice-captain for the ODI format. Harmanpreet Kaur will remain part of both squads for this tour.
The T20I roster includes a maiden call-up for 20-year-old Karnataka batter Niki Prasad, who recently excelled against Australia A with half-centuries in all three formats. Anushka Sharma also returns to the T20I setup, bringing her experience from the Gujarat Giants. However, players including Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav, and Bharti Fulmali have been omitted from the T20I squad, while Jemimah Rodrigues continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Who bats in the middle order, has played seven innings for Delhi Capitals in the WPL, scoring 153 runs, the 20-year-old right-handed batter from Karnataka. Scoring half-centuries in all three formats: 91 in the one-off three-day game, 76 in the third one-day match, along with an unbeaten 54 not out off 31 balls in the second T20 earlier in the series, she recently featured in the series against Australia A. Anushka, who plays for Gujarat Giants in the WPL, has 177 runs in seven innings. Who scored two fifties in the one-day series against Australia A, returns to the ODI squad, renuka has been included for the 50-over games while Tejal Hasabnis.
The ODI squad sees the return of Renuka Singh Thakur and 29-year-old middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, who recently recorded two fifties against Australia A. Other additions to the ODI side include Yastika Bhatia, Nandni Sharma, and Sayali Satghare. Players excluded from the ODI rotation include Uma Chetry, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues. Who has six ODI appearances, last featured for India in the ODI against Ireland in January 2025, the 29-year-old middle order batter.
India’s upcoming fixtures will see the T20I series played in Raipur on October 16, 18, and 20, followed by the ODI series in Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28. The T20I squad is comprised of Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh, G Kamalini, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, and Minnu Mani. The ODI squad includes Mandhana, Verma, Pratika Rawal, Kaur, Harleen Deol, Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Ghosh, Bhatia, Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Satghare, and Renuka Thakur.
