New Delhi: Smriti Mandhana has been appointed the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, taking over from Harmanpreet Kaur after the World Cup-winning skipper stepped down from captaincy across all formats on Tuesday.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Mandhana’s appointment hours after Harmanpreet confirmed her decision to relinquish the leadership role. 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 senior team since 2013, will now take charge as the full-time captain. She has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs and brings international and franchise leadership experience to the role.
The change marks a new phase for Indian women’s cricket following a successful period under Harmanpreet’s captaincy.
Mandhana calls captaincy a ‘very special honour’
Mandhana acknowledged the significance of being given the responsibility of leading India after the BCCI announced her appointment.
“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.
The left-handed batter also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution during her years as captain.
“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,” Mandhana said.
Mandhana also said she understood the responsibility attached to the position and was prepared to learn as she begins her tenure.
“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.
Harmanpreet steps down after landmark tenure
Harmanpreet’s decision brings an end to a leadership stint that began with her taking charge of India’s T20I side in 2016.
She later became the full-time captain in ODIs and Tests in 2022.
Her tenure included several landmark achievements, with India’s maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025 standing out as the biggest.
Harmanpreet also led India to two Asian Games gold medals, including the latest triumph in Nagoya.
During her captaincy, she became one of the most experienced players in women’s international cricket and reached the distinction of becoming the most-capped player in the women’s game this year.
Her decision to step down therefore closes an important leadership chapter for the Indian team, although her international career continues.
Mandhana takes over after World Cup triumph
Mandhana inherits the captaincy after India achieved major milestones under Harmanpreet.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup victory was particularly significant as it gave India their first title in the tournament’s history.
The team’s success at the Asian Games further strengthened its record in international competitions, with India winning gold under Harmanpreet’s leadership.
Mandhana has been part of the Indian set-up throughout much of this period and has already gained experience of leading the national side.
Her previous assignments as captain include 18 T20Is and four ODIs. The full-time appointment now gives her responsibility for guiding the team through its next phase.
RCB success adds to Mandhana’s leadership experience
Mandhana also brings franchise leadership experience into the role.
The left-hander has captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women’s Premier League titles, in 2024 and 2026.
The WPL has given Mandhana experience of managing a high-profile franchise environment while working with players from different backgrounds.
The BCCI referred to that experience while backing her appointment as India captain.
“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,” he added.
Mandhana’s success with RCB adds another dimension to her previous international captaincy experience.
BCCI highlights Mandhana’s growth
BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia also highlighted Mandhana’s development as an experienced Indian international and her achievements with RCB.
“Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on,” Saikia said.
The BCCI’s comments underline the board’s focus on Mandhana’s existing experience rather than treating her appointment as a completely new leadership experiment.
Having represented India since 2013, Mandhana has spent more than a decade in the national set-up and has played through several phases of Indian women’s cricket.
Her previous captaincy assignments have also allowed her to gain experience before taking on the full-time role.
Harmanpreet remains part of India’s squad
The change in captaincy does not mark the end of Harmanpreet’s association with the Indian team.
She will continue to represent India as a player, meaning Mandhana will have an experienced former captain alongside her in the dressing room.
Harmanpreet’s knowledge of major tournaments and experience of leading India through high-pressure matches remain part of the team’s resources.
Her continued presence could also provide continuity as the squad adjusts to a new leadership structure.
For Mandhana, the challenge will be to establish her own approach while making use of the experience already available within the team.
Mandhana’s previous captaincy experience
Although this is Mandhana’s first appointment as the full-time India captain, she is not new to the responsibility.
She has already led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs.
Her leadership experience also extends to franchise cricket through RCB, where she has captained the side to two WPL titles.
The combination of international and franchise experience forms an important part of the background to her appointment.
Mandhana will now have to balance her responsibilities as one of India’s senior batters with the tactical and organisational demands of captaincy.
A new leadership phase for Indian cricket
Mandhana takes charge at a time when expectations around the Indian women’s team remain high.
India enter this phase as the reigning Women’s Cricket World Cup champions and Asian Games champions.
The new captain will therefore inherit a team with established success while also being expected to guide it through its next set of challenges.
Her immediate task will include working with the existing group, maintaining continuity and developing her own leadership approach.
Mandhana’s statement that she intends to learn along the way reflects the transition involved in moving from occasional captaincy assignments to full-time leadership.
What Mandhana’s appointment means for the team
The appointment creates a leadership structure that combines a new captain with an experienced former skipper who remains a player.
Mandhana has been part of India since 2013, while Harmanpreet has spent years leading the team across formats.
That combination gives the squad continuity even as the captaincy changes hands.
The transition will also provide Mandhana with an opportunity to shape the team’s approach over a longer period rather than stepping in only for individual series.
Her record as an international batter and her experience with RCB will form part of the foundation as she begins the next stage of her leadership career.
A new chapter begins
Smriti Mandhana’s appointment marks the beginning of a new leadership era for the Indian women’s cricket team.
Harmanpreet Kaur steps down after a landmark tenure that included India’s first Women’s Cricket World Cup title and two Asian Games gold medals. She will continue to contribute to the national side as a player.
Mandhana takes over with more than a decade of international experience, previous captaincy assignments for India and two WPL titles as RCB captain.
Describing the opportunity to lead India as a “very special honour”, Mandhana has also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the position and expressed her willingness to learn.
With the BCCI backing her experience and leadership credentials, Mandhana now begins her tenure while Harmanpreet remains part of the squad, providing continuity during the transition.