Mithali Raj backs Mandhana for ODI/Test captaincy and Shafali for T20Is

Mithali Raj Backs Smriti Mandhana For ODI Captaincy, Shafali Verma For T20Is

Smriti Mandhana is more suited to lead India in the longer formats after Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure ends while the much younger Shafali Varma can be handed the reins of the T20 side, Mithali Raj said.

4 hours ago

Mithali Raj Backs Smriti Mandhana For ODI Captaincy, Shafali For T20

Harmanpreet, 37, led India to a pathbreaking ODI World Cup title last year but under her leadership, the team has not been able to crack the code in ICC events in the T20 format, dating back to 2018

6 hours ago

Mithali Raj Backs Smriti Mandhana To Lead India Women's Cricket Team In Longer Formats, Shafali Varma In T20Is | VIDEO

Mumbai, July 16: Former India Women's Cricket team captain Mithali Raj believes Smriti Mandhana should take over as captain in the longer formats once Harmanpreet Kaur steps down, while young opener Shafali Varma should be given the T20 captaincy.Harmanpreet (37) led India to their historic ICC Women's ODI World Cup title last year. However, under her leadership, the team has not been able to perform well in ICC T20 tournaments, with another early exit in the recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.VIDEO | Former India captain Mithali Raj has backed Smriti Mandhana to succeed Harmanpreet Kaur as captain of the Indian women's cricket team in the longer formats (Tests and ODIs) when Kaur's tenure comes to an end."I think Smriti should captain India in the ODI format. She… pic.twitter.com/mLyqU9gbL2— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 16, 2026 The selectors are expected to make a decision on Harmanpreet's future after the Asian Games 2026 Which is scheduled for September-October in Japan.Speaking to PTI, Mithali said it is the right time for India to develop more leaders in the women's team. She also called for better clarity in players' roles and improvements in fitness, saying these areas have affected India's pace bowling and fielding which were below expectations during the recent T20 World Cup.IND W Vs ENG W Test: Smriti Mandhana Fifty Guides India To 154/1 At Stumps on Day 2 After Historic Gauf Fifer "I think Smriti should captain India in the ODI format. She should also be considered for the Test side," she said.She also said, "For T20Is, however, I would prefer someone younger. Shafali's strongest format is definitely T20 cricket. She has already captained India to the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup title, so why not consider her?"

7 hours ago