Smriti Mandhana appointed India women’s cricket captain after Harmanpreet Kaur steps down

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as India's new women's cricket captain, following Harmanpreet Kaur stepping down from the role in all formats.

Mandhana, who has been part of the side since 2013, has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs

Earlier in the day, Harmanpreet announced her decision to step down as India captain in a social media post

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team. She takes over the leadership role from Harmanpreet Kaur, who announced her resignation as captain. Mandhana has led India in several T20Is and ODIs prior to this appointment. The Board of Control for Cricket in India expressed confidence in her leadership abilities. Harmanpreet will remain part of the squad as a player during this transition.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Smriti Mandhana as the full-time captain of the Indian women's cricket team in white-ball cricket on Tuesday. The experienced batter will take charge of the team as it enters a new phase. BCCI took the decision after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as the captain of the team.Over the years, Mandhana has established herself as one of India's leading batters across formats. She has also gained valuable leadership experience in domestic and franchise cricket.A dawn of a new era ✨Smriti Mandhana takes charge as the Captain of the Indian Women's cricket team Go well, Captain More details ▶️ https://t.co/tbLb4jOiCn#TeamIndia | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/27AxmrUhKt— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2026 The left-handed batter has previously led India in 18 T20 Internationals and four One-Day Internationals. She also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to Women's Premier League (WPL) titles in 2024 and 2026, further strengthening her leadership credentials.Speaking about her appointment, Mandhana said that leading India was a special honour. She thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and everyone who had supported her throughout her career. She also acknowledged Harmanpreet Kaur's contribution as captain and said she looked forward to working with the team and helping Indian cricket move forward.BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, “Congratulations to Smriti on this important responsibility. She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. She understands… pic.twitter.com/l1w48JNDJV— IANS (@ians_india) October 6, 2026 BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana on her appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the team. He said her experience, understanding of the game and commitment would be valuable in the new role. He also wished her success as she takes Indian women's cricket forward.BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also congratulated Mandhana, highlighting her experience and success as RCB captain in the WPL. He said she had the temperament and experience needed to handle the responsibility of leading India and wished her and the team success in the coming years.Speaking on her appointment, Smriti Mandhana said, “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. I am grateful… https://t.co/bqrSFjx6y8 pic.twitter.com/w81KgzLWPA— IANS (@ians_india) October 6, 2026 Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down As India Women's Captain After Historic World Cup Triumph, Will Continue As PlayerWith Mandhana taking over as full-time white-ball captain, India will look to build on its recent progress. Her experience as an international batter and success as a franchise captain will be important as she leads the team in upcoming ODI and T20I assignments.

Smriti Mandhana replaces Harmanpreet Kaur as India womens team captain