Mandhana will take over India captaincy duties from Harmanpreet Kaur.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on October 6, 2026, has announced that Smriti Mandhana will be the new captain of the Indian women's team. This came after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as the skipper across formats earlier in the day.
Smriti made her India debut in 2013 and has played 9 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 179 T20I games thus far. She has 788 Test runs with 2 centuries to her name, has made 5411 runs in ODIs, with 14 centuries and 35 fifties, and has 4867 runs in T20Is, with 2 centuries and 37 fifties.
Mandhana brings a host of leadership qualities and experience. Mandhana has been the vice-captain to Harmanpreet Kaur ever since Kaur became the India captain and has led India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs. Apart from this, she has demonstrated her leadership qualities in domestic and franchise cricket, most recently leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
“To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honor. 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 to the BCCI, the selectors, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey and for the trust they have placed in me.
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. 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,” Mandhana said as per BCCI.
Mr. Mithun Manhas, BCCI President, said: "I congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. 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.
“The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti, and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism that she has shown throughout her career. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter.”
“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 what it means to represent India, and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain.
Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on. Her success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League is another example of her leadership qualities. I wish her and the team every success in the journey ahead and look forward to seeing Indian Cricket continue to progress under her leadership,” Devajit Saikia, BCCI Honorary Secretary, said.