Mandhana takes over from Harmanpreet Kaur after previously leading India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, with BCCI backing her experience and leadership record
Mumbai, Oct 2026 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced that Smriti Mandhana will take over as the permanent white-ball captain of the Indian women’s cricket team following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down from captaincy.
Mandhana, one of the most experienced and prominent figures in Indian women’s cricket, has previously led the national side across formats. She has captained India in 18 T20 Internationals and four One-Day Internationals and will now assume full-time leadership responsibilities in both white-ball formats.
The appointment marks a new phase for the Indian women’s team, with the BCCI placing its confidence in Mandhana’s experience, understanding of the game and leadership qualities. She has been part of the Indian team since 2013 and has played a significant role in the side’s progress across formats.
“Having been part of the Indian team since 2013, Smriti brings considerable experience into the role. She will now take on the responsibility of leading the side, with the team entering a new phase and continuing to build on the progress made in recent years,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Mandhana has also gained valuable leadership experience in domestic and franchise cricket. Her most recent success came as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, whom she led to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
Reacting to her appointment, Mandhana described the opportunity to lead India as a special honour and expressed gratitude to the BCCI, selectors, teammates and supporters for placing their trust in her.
“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.
She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution to Indian women’s cricket during her tenure 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.
The new captain said she understood the responsibility attached to the role and looked forward to working closely with her teammates while continuing to learn and develop as a leader.
“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 added.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana and said her long experience with the national team would be valuable in her new role.
“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,” Manhas said.
He added that the BCCI had full confidence in Mandhana and wished her success as she begins her captaincy tenure.
“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,” he said.
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also congratulated Mandhana, highlighting her experience and leadership record with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“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,” Saikia said.
He added that Mandhana understood the significance of representing India and had the experience and temperament required to lead the side.
Saikia also pointed to her success in the Women’s Premier League as another indication of her leadership credentials.
“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,” he said.
Mandhana’s appointment comes as India’s women’s team enters a new chapter following Harmanpreet’s decision to relinquish the captaincy. With considerable international experience and previous exposure to leading the national side, Mandhana will now be tasked with guiding India in both ODIs and T20Is while building on the team’s recent progress.
